Becker For an Expedition....

Moosez45

Moosez45

Custom Antlers, Factory Knives...
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Scenario:

You're a member of a 12 man expedition into central Africa. Heavy jungle, critters, and hard trekking are just the daily norm, along with toting your gear.

Which BKT do you take? You will have to wear it on your person all the time.

So, which one?

Anything else that you think might be worthwhile to take? Gear and guns would be a consideration.

Plan on being out in the wild for at least 3-4 weeks.

Moose
 
BK5 - for processing bush meat and strong enough to process wood if need be
BK5 - Patrol Machete for clearing brush and building shelters
A nice low rise loin cloth
 
Can I opt for a BK-9 with a Remora in the pouch, that would take care of all my knife needs.
solid pair of warm weather boots
Katadyne filter
2 liter camel back
1 liter Nalgene with a stainless cup
mosquito net
hammock
M1A
Glock 19

I'm set :)
 
Originally I was a huge fan of the Saber Ground BK16. It was a lot of the capabilities of the BK2 without the size and weight. You put me onto that Full Flat Grind BK16, and it is indeed slicier, and cuts a lot easier, however, after having used them both, I am back to the saber ground if only for the added strength. The tradeoffs between slicing ability, while noticeable, are not enough (in my opinion) to overcome the increased strength I get from the saber ground model. I can flex the FFG 16 in my hands. I can't do that with the saber ground one, and that means a world of difference to me in terms of peace of mind. Saber Ground BK16 for me.

Next I would want a chopper. No questions there, BK9 for me. Machax might do it just as well, maybe even better, but I know the 9 better and have had more experience with it.

Them's my picks.
 
I would be sporting a BK7. Weight is a consideration here, and it can do pretty much everything, in the lightest package possible. From skinning, to rendering to food prep, its got it. Wood work, yeah, got that too. Long enough to be considered for last resort defense, yeah, there too.

I would also be packing a Springfield Armory XD tactical 45, 50rds of ammo.

My rifle is where I am drawing a blank, I want something heavy enough to drop most critters that would give me trouble, but for food collection, big bores are not the best option for small game.

Keeping in mind I gotta carry my gear, weapons, and myself, I am having a tough time. I want a 22lr for small game, and probably a 308 for a heavy hitter. Carrying 2 rifles is a PITA and would put some serious weight on my feet.

M1A's are nice, but coming at at 8lbs without a full mag, that's alot. Bolt guns are lighter, but slower on the chambering, so, I'm thinking something in the 6.8SPC arena.

My MSR Miniworks, camelbak 3L, and a canteen cup, got me pretty much on point with water, and cooking.

I'm sure I'll be adding some more stuff to this, but my current loadout is 27lbs, that covers all areas of basic necessities.

Throw in a side arm, rifle, and knife, you are looking at 45lbs on your feet in addition to you body weight. That makes for long days afoot in the brush.

Moose
 
I'd suggest that going out with a group and trying to be completely self sufficient may be a bad idea. Is it an option to talk to your group and coordinate who brings what in the way of gear? Maybe some guys bring the big bore guns, some bring shotguns and some bring semi-autos. A few could bring .22's and the rest bring ammo for it?

For knives... Seems like a good machete and a small knife are the way to go. I've seen people sharpen the first few inches (from the handle) of the machete into a razor scandi grind for carving and detail work and the upper portion into a stout convex for chopping. Piggyback a BK11 on that and you're in business.

For the rifles... Have you thought about an AR7 (now called Henry Survival Rifle)? .22 rifle that can break down and fit into its own buttstock... that floats. You may also consider a combination gun.. usually an over/under configuration with various combinations of calibers. You could rock an AR15 with a 6.8 upper and carry a .22 upper in your pack. Lastly I'd consider a good scout rifle. Yes it's bolt action, but with 12 of you I'd call that safety in numbers, if you miss there will be someone else ready for a backup shot.
 
Machax on one hip, BK15 on the other.

No idea about guns. Would have to research more about what people carry in Africa.
 
JWL said:
Machax on one hip, BK15 on the other.

No idea about guns. Would have to research more about what people carry in Africa.
Click to expand...

Why the Machax? What attributes does it bring that makes it your first choice?

Moose
 
BK-14 and BK-9. For some reason these are always my choices. 14 to always be in my pocket and for fine tasks and game cleaning. 9 for all the heavy work. A machete would be acceptable as well, but the shorter BK-9 is easier to carry.

I've been lightening up my kit lately. I'm down to wool blanket, hammock, and tarp for sleeping. I would need to add a bug net. Cordage, necessary clothing, flashlights/batteries, map and compass, minimal cooking kit, food, and water. Not much else. My bottle holder kit would ride on the side of my pack.

I would want someone in the group to have some climbing rope.

The .357 revolver would come along as my sidearm.

I would consider a Marlin 45-70 lever gun as my rifle. It's a big bullet in an easy to carry package. Limited range for hunting, but better for quick shots at large animals that are charging you than a bolt action or double gun.

Finally, the rest of my weight allocation goes to ammo.
 
SaturatedShadow said:
BK-14 and BK-9. For some reason these are always my choices. 14 to always be in my pocket and for fine tasks and game cleaning. 9 for all the heavy work. A machete would be acceptable as well, but the shorter BK-9 is easier to carry.

I've been lightening up my kit lately. I'm down to wool blanket, hammock, and tarp for sleeping. I would need to add a bug net. Cordage, necessary clothing, flashlights/batteries, map and compass, minimal cooking kit, food, and water. Not much else. My bottle holder kit would ride on the side of my pack.

I would want someone in the group to have some climbing rope.

The .357 revolver would come along as my sidearm.

I would consider a Marlin 45-70 lever gun as my rifle. It's a big bullet in an easy to carry package. Limited range for hunting, but better for quick shots at large animals that are charging you than a bolt action or double gun.

Finally, the rest of my weight allocation goes to ammo.
Click to expand...

Those are some good choices, in steel and firepower. I like that lever gun idea.

Good post
 
The BK-7 seems like the most appropriate choice and I quote:

"The ultimate BK&T all-purpose utility knife was designed specifically for soldiers and adventurers requiring a sturdy but lightweight combat knife that can stand up to hard use".


Either that or the BK-9...
 
Haze BK9 would be my choice. Agree on the XDM 45 for pistol. That's one of my favorites. Still trying to save up for mine. If I could only get a break from the constant unexpected expenses...

I'd be happy with an AR in 6.8 too. Love the AR platform, love the round.

Add a first aid kit to the suggestions as well... Always nice to have meds if you need em. Particularly a good bunch of broad spectrum antibiotics. All kinds of nasty things to get you. I'd stay the heck out of rivers too.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
Haze BK9 would be my choice. Agree on the XDM 45 for pistol. That's one of my favorites. Still trying to save up for mine. If I could only get a break from the constant unexpected expenses...

I'd be happy with an AR in 6.8 too. Love the AR platform, love the round.

Add a first aid kit to the suggestions as well... Always nice to have meds if you need em. Particularly a good bunch of broad spectrum antibiotics. All kinds of nasty things to get you. I'd stay the heck out of rivers too.
Click to expand...

That clipped 9 is awesome, wish I still had it. :D

Extra meds would be good to have along, and I think a suture kit would be good to have as well. And a roll of Gorilla Tape too.

Moose
 
BK5 - vines, self defense, food prep, cleaning/gutting large game
BK15 - cleaning small game, fish, etc
.41 magnum ruger revolver - lighter than my .357 S&W, but packs as much punch as a .44mag, but with less weight.
IF i took a rifle, i'd take a Ruger M77 Hawkeye african in .375 ruger but only because they don't have a bolt action in .41 magnum (carry less ammo that way)
either would take down some pretty large game, rifle up to cape buffalo and beyond
iodine pills - don't have to carry as much fresh water in with you, don't HAVE to have a fire
mosquito netting and LOTS of vaccinations before i went
 
.357 said:
Yep, some generic antibiotics / motrin would be a good thing to take.
and some anti-chaffe stuff ...
Click to expand...

I saw that stuff, looked like deodorant, but keeps you from getting the "rub". Good call.

Moose
 
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