I need help making a survival pack(a light one)

[Gdbyrd]

Going from my other post:  Me and two friends are taking a minimalist survival trip.  3 days and 2 nights.  I'm looking for suggestions on what to bring for this stay.


We will be taking enough water for the trip.  I can't afford to miss work when I get cholera or dysentery, lol.  No food.


I will also be taking a small magnesium stick I usually carry in the truck.  I've decided on rifles: 12g, 22LR, and a 30/30. 


What else do you think I should take from a MINIMALIST standpoint.  Something most people would probably have in their vehicle or be able to get out of their vehicle if they were willing to destroy it.  What about knives/machetes?  How much ammunition is reasonable?


We're going to be doing this very safely and will have access to first aid kits, we're all registered nurses too so if something bad happened we have good support.


My list so far:
Magnesium stick
Rope(probably be the thick stuff as it's always in the back of the truck to pull people out if they get stuck)
10/22
Marlin 30/30
NEF 12g
Several gallons of water


On the list but not going to use unless we have to:
Cell phones and extra batteries
Food
First Aid kit
Blankets
Tarp
Kerosene for starting a fire
Hornady Z max....JUST IN CASE!!!!


What do you think?

[pab1]

I've decided on rifles: 12g, 22LR, and a 30/30. 

Will you be on foot? If so, how will you pack 3 full length guns? They are all great guns but I would only take one along with a handgun. The 10/22 or the NEF 12 gauge would be my choice. I have an NEF 20 gauge that is a great survival gun. You can use either shot or slugs depending on what game is in the area. I would take a water filter, iodine crystals or tablets too. Sounds like a fun trip! Good idea on the Z-Max!

[Dixie Dude]

If you are backpacking away from the truck, I would take parachord instead of rope.  Just as strong but lighter.  Also, if you put some cotton balls soaked in vasolene in a small bottle, they will light even if wet to start a fire.  As far as pulling a truck, I would get a tow strap (heavy nylon) found at auto parts stores.  Add maybe a come-along.  These are better than a rope for towing or pulling. 

[no guns here]

skip the kerosene.  Much better fire startes available.  In fact in South Texas, all you should need (unless in a hurricane) is a knife and a match.  You are in mesquite area.  Mesquite leaves and wood are everywhere.
Dig a hole that looks like a keyhole.  About 1.5 feet across the big end.  Build your fire there.  Line the bottom of the hole with thumb-thick sticks.  Use your knife to make a pile of mesquite shavings (double handful at least).  Arrange in a small pile on top of equal amount of mesquite leaves and general dry duff.  Leave a hole in the duff to let you get the match to the inside of the pile.  Continue with layering with small twigs and larger sticks.  Don't make it to air tight.  Leave room for air flow into the fire.  Keep a nice pile on hand and near the fire.  Now you should be ready for the one-match fire.  Strike match IN the hole.  Once you have coals built up... shovel them into the small part of the key hole.  Cook there, not on the fire.
 
Vasilene cotton balls work fine.  My favorite is dryer lint packed into a cardboard egg-carton and covered with old candle wax or paraffin wax.  Makes 12 fire starters when you cut the egg-carton apart.  Burns a LONG time with that much wax in each one.
 
Second the para-cord vs rope.  100' of 550 cord doesn't weigh but a few ounces and can be stored just about anywhere.  Easier to cut and tie than heavy roap too.
 
Blankets should of course be wool.  Get some old wool army blankets.
 
Shake your boots out in the morning...
 
 
NGH

[Gdbyrd]

There will be three of us, so one gun each. 


We're trying to make this as realistic a situation as possible.  Having only on us what we'd usually have on us or in the truck.  The truck has thick tow rope and some 1/2" nylon stuff. 


There's coleman camp fuel's in the truck already, we use it in our lantern.  Again staying with the what we already have on us thing.


Is there anything else though you guys might suggest that's realistic?

[BUGEYE]

pick up a copy of backwoodsman magazine.  the new issue has a good article on this very thing.

[Dixie Dude]

As far as water goes, I recommend a portable water filter, pump type.  The filter is usually good for about 200 gallons of water.  Having a canteen with a metal cup for boiling water is also an idea.  Strain the water through an old shirt to remove debris if needed, then boil for about 10 minutes, cool, and put in canteen if you don't have the filter.  That way you don't have to carry so much water, unless it is a dry area with little water supply. 

[SHOOTALL]

As far as what's in the truck - maybe you will learn what needs to be in the truck  . Para cord is a good investment. A leatherman tool,folding or other shovel, axe , poncho liner and two ponchos, medicine ,several extra pair of socks and underware, toilet paper , lighter, water proof matches, MRE's or other dry food,flash light and bats or candle and candle latern, military mess kit with knife fork and spoon , canteen and cup, first aid , glasses (extra pair), sunglasses , Coat, hat, soap ( ivory can be used on face,body,dishes and clothers all in one bar). compass and map of area you are in, phone numbers of emg services in area. These are a few for truck. The BOB would have most in smaller quanities. Candy is good . Guns and ammo, in a really bad situation a min of 50 rounds for handgun and 250 for rifle ( this was offered in "Citizen Soilder" . A good fixed blade knife would be nice a folder good also. A stone or such to touch up knife and axe. I see your selection of weapons It sounds sound but then if all carried same ammo in some situations it might be better. A good 22 pistol like a Ruger MK-2 would fill the pot. I keep most of the listed items in my truck except for the ammo at times I work on bases where we are not allowed to have ammo or guns  with us and I would not want to mess up. Almost forgot DUCT TAPE ! 

[teamnelson]

As far as what's in the truck - maybe you will learn what needs to be in the truck  .

What he said ... I think thats really the point of the exercise, to figure out what you should be packing so if it weren't just a drill, you'd be better off.


For example, in my pack at this moment, which I tote to work every day, are:
- wP matches, magnesium strike lighter.
- Sawyer Squeeze filter w/500ml, 1l, 2l bladders. (3oz total weight)
- 40oz KK bottle
- GSI 18oz SS pot/cup
- Spork (.5 oz)
- Trangea stove w/aluminum pot stand/windsreen.
- 1l flask of denatured alcohol
- Med Kit
- 10x monocular
- Grabber All Weather Blanket (WP, warm) (6 oz.)
- Snugpak JungleBag (12 oz. 6x6)
- Eton FR150 crank radio/charger/led light
- 550 cord
- Misc. food bars, drink mixes, alcohol wipes
- Leatherman surge
- WP sacks, one has some extra CW gear in it.
- 4 aaa batteries, deck of cards, knife sharpening diamond cards
- Phone, earbud handsfree
- Notebook, paper, protractor, Bible.
- Pocket: Buck knife, ITP EOS A3 light, peanut lighter (WP, SS)


This is my back and forth to work bag, all fits in a small daypack with room for my work related documents, etc.
Add a 22 pistol, and some food and I'd be GTG. There's several things on that list I could do without, but my pack is light already.

[Gdbyrd]

The point of the exercise it to try to survive when you're not prepared using stuff that's commonly available.  I'm asking you guys for advice on what you think I could scavenge from an old hunting truck, or readily available items almost ANYONE would have in an old work truck(excluding the people prepared for such a situation).


I am bringing water.  I don't need to worry about filtering water, or boiling it, dosing it with iodine, etc.


I'll play it like a scenario:  Three guys driving out on a deer lease when the truck breaks down.  They're about 150 miles from civilization, they left their cell phones at camp, but they have their guns with them since they were going hunting anyway..and they were smart enough to always carry enough water in case something bad happened.  They told their families they'd see them in 3 days, so they have about 3-4 days to rough it out in the wilderness until they notice their missing and send help out.


What stuff in general do most people carry with them?  I don't want to go out and piece together an awesome 72 hour bag...the point of this is to rough it and do the minimalistic thing.  I'm talking your average joe, what might they have in their hunting truck that'd help you survive for 3-4 days. 


I know you really don't even have to eat to survive for 3-4 days.  But I want us to strive to make it a comfortable experience.  Building a good shelter, having a solid fire, finding game/plants to keep us sustained, and working out a plan to trek it back or stay put, etc.

[teamnelson]

Average joes gone hunting in a truck ... hmm

honestly you got me, I pack like above no matter what I'm doing, especially if I'm hunting. If I had to speculate, joe is out of food and water before the last day of camp is over and plans to hit McDs on the way home. Hell have clothes, knife, gun and ammo. He may have gps but no compass. Truck will have empty wrappers, cans, bottles, maybe a road flare and some matches. Use a can for cooking and catching water. He may have game to eat if it was a good hunt.

Is that more what you're after?

[Gdbyrd]

Yes, that's exactly where I'm headed.  What your average person might have on them.  Having little to no supplies and being totally ill-prepared for the encounter..


I'm just not sure what I should "allow" in for our trip.  That's what I'm wondering. 


In the truck right now we have kerosene, a machete, a shovel, some bark from collecting firewood, a whole lot of empty cans/bottles, rope(the very thick stuff), (it's a long bed too, should mention that).  Inside in the glovebox we keep a leatherman multi-tool, some toilet paper, and I'm sure there's at least 150 rounds of 22 lr ammo in the cab. 


Anytime we drive anywhere in it we take an icechest full to the brim with water, just in case we get stuck out there. 


So what all should I allow for us to use?

[streak]

Going from my other post:  Me and two friends are taking a minimalist survival trip.  3 days and 2 nights.  I'm looking for suggestions on what to bring for this stay.


We will be taking enough water for the trip.  I can't afford to miss work when I get cholera or dysentery, lol.  No food.


I will also be taking a small magnesium stick I usually carry in the truck.  I've decided on rifles: 12g, 22LR, and a 30/30. 


What else do you think I should take from a MINIMALIST standpoint.  Something most people would probably have in their vehicle or be able to get out of their vehicle if they were willing to destroy it.  What about knives/machetes?  How much ammunition is reasonable?


We're going to be doing this very safely and will have access to first aid kits, we're all registered nurses too so if something bad happened we have good support.


My list so far:
Magnesium stick
Rope(probably be the thick stuff as it's always in the back of the truck to pull people out if they get stuck)
10/22
Marlin 30/30
NEF 12g
Several gallons of water


On the list but not going to use unless we have to:
Cell phones and extra batteries
Food
First Aid kit
Blankets
Tarp
Kerosene for starting a fire
Hornady Z max....JUST IN CASE!!!!


What do you think?

Don`t forget T.P.!!

[teamnelson]

So what all should I allow for us to use?

I'd throw in a tarp, were it me, like what you might use to cover the truck bed if you were hauling something. Beyond that I think you're done, really. You've got more on hand than the average Joe ... you're rolling like an above average Joe. 

[pab1]

I am bringing water.  I don't need to worry about filtering water, or boiling it, dosing it with iodine, etc.

IMO, for a realistic scenario, having a way to purify water is one of the most important items to have along. Most methods take up very little space and are worth their weight in gold. "Several gallons of water" does not last 3 men very long. Once those containers are empty you can refill them with purified water and not worry about dehydration from rationing or illness (vomiting/diarrhea).

Consider that one member of your party gets injured/sick and needs medical attention. One person can stay with the injured man and the other can go for help on foot. Assuming water is in the area, having a way to purify it allows the person hiking out for help to travel light (faster), without having to carry gallons of water. That also leaves more of your stored water with the injured party.

If you get in trouble on day 1, a search would probably not begin until day 4 and not get serious for another day at least.  If you took a remote backroad that is not often used on your hunt, help may not locate you for several more days, putting you at 7+ days of being stranded. Three men need a lot of water to stay hydrated/healthy for that amount of time. Just my .02 worth.

[no guns here]

Okay, well, so I've gone back to carrying more stuff in my daily bag.  Unfortunately, I can't carry any weapons in my bag or my vehicle since I work on an AF base and the federal government see's fit to restrict my personal rights and liberties once I cross that property line.  I used to carry this stuff but now I'm going to rebuild my bag.
 
Right now I have:
3/8" magnesium fire starter stick
1/4" firesteel sparking stick
50' (approx) 550 cord
Gerber folder
Gerber multi-tool
2 wax/lint firestarters
2 small lighters
personal meds
AA maglight
extra batteries for maglight
 
In my truck I have:
 
small tarp about 8x8
tow strap
5 ratchet straps
GPS
Cell phone + 12v and 110 charger
2 walkie-talkies
small tool set
breaker bar
 
I'm gonna add (as soon as I get a tool box to hold it all) an entrenching tool, small axe, larger first aid kit, some kind of water purifyer, single burner camp stove and a grub kit.  I think I'm ahead of most folks now but I have some glaring spots to fill in.
 
As soon as I find a job that will allow me to carry a weapon in my vehicle or in my bag, I'm going to put a Kel-tec sub-2000 9mm (glock mags) in my bag with about 90-120 rounds.
 
 
NGH

[Dixie Dude]

You can only go about 3 days without water, but about 3 weeks without food.  Therefore water is more important.  Having a small water purifier pump, you can purify usually 200+ gallons without cleaning or changing the filter.  They only weigh about a pound or two and are not that big.  You will be hunting, therefore you can kill something to eat.  If you don't have a water purifier, you need a way to boil it for drinking. 
 
There can be a lot of what ifs in a hunting/survival situation.  I know of a guy who took his 12-14 year old son hunting.  They were in a back forest area on a logging road.  They went hunting, and when they got back to the truck, the son pointed his gun at the floorboard and started shucking out his 30-30.  Then, bam, he let his finger hit the trigger and a round went through their transmission.  They had to hike out.  Don't know how far in the wilderness you are going, but let someone know where and when you should return. Therefore another reason to have a backup plan for water. 
 
With parachord, or some wire, you can make snares and traps for small game and not waste your shells if stranded.  Having some hooks and fishing line is also handy if there is water enough to contain fish. You can always dig for worms, or get some bug to attach to the hook. 
 
I also carry a foldable saw (24" blades),a small axe or hatchet, and a machette in the vehicle.  In a survival situation, you might need all three.  The saw came with 3 blades, bone saw, metal saw, and wood saw.  Hatchet for chopping and splitting.  Machette for use in thick stuff and as a chopper, (I live in the southeast).  Never know how long or how many fires you have to start or have.  Sawing is easier that chopping, but chopping is needed for felling small trees and such.  You might have to build a shelter also.  If room a full size ax is handy.   
 
Not a bad idea to carry some emergency food, like rice, beans, or MRE's, some sugar, salt and pepper.  Mostly stuff easy to store and will keep a long time, but also to add some extra to what you kill or catch, and to spice and flavor the meat.  Some spices and powdered butter might be nice.  Maybe a little cooking oil if pan cooking.   

[schoolmaster]

Got me curious as to what is in my truck. I hunt and fish out of it all the time. It also is my everyday grocery getter. I have stuff tucked into the door pouches, under the seat, behind the rear seat, in the glove box and in a small plastic tote on the floor in front. I have 2 flashlights that work. Sun screen, and insect repellent. Hand sanitizer, a bottle of tylonol. a pocket knife, a mora knife, several screwdrivers and pliers, a multitool, several hand pruners,
a small hatchet, a folding saw, several packs of matches, several lighters, a pocket sized plastic box of fishing tackle, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, an assortment of ammo, a few 12 and 20 ga shotgun shell, a handful of 22 lr and 22 mag in a plastic bag, a metal coffee can with some parachord, heavy chalk line, and a spool of braided fishing line, some iron wire coat hangers, a bottle of gun oil and some gun rags, a couple rolls of tp. a large metal cup, a couple plastic jugs with lids, in the back, I have an 8 ft bed with a topper, a folding chair, a heavy plastic tarp, a couple fishing poles, a plastic bag with old news papers, a 5 gal bucket with old sticks I picked up in the yard, a few pop cans and plastic bottles, binos, sunglases, boots, heavy shirt, gloves, and a first aid kit. I am not sure that is all without a closer look but it is plenty.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[Duke0313]

Toilet paper...trust me...you'll be glad you did!!!

[no guns here]

Went to the truck yesterday afternoon on the way home and lifted up the rear seat to count and make sure there were still 5 ratchet straps there.  Turns out my wife has used two and not put them back yet.  More importantly I found TWO rolls of TP.  The wife said she got tired of getting to restrooms on the road and not having any or having the rough kind.  She put two rolls of the soft stuff in a ziplock bag and stuffed them under the seat.  I love her...
 
 
Now, if I could just get her to put the straps back in there!
 
NGH

[Victor3]

 Yes, TP is a must.
 
 And if you're like me, eating strange food and drinking funky water, Preparation H wipes and some baby powder might be the only way to survive a long hike back to civilization with any sanity left.

[SHOOTALL]

tucks for the burn 

[Empty Quiver]

2 nights and three days?


Shelter from the weather.
Warm sleeping gear.
3 bags of Doritos ( I would grab the big bags but I'm a big kinda guy ), 3 cans of spam, 2 cans of sardines in mustard sauce , and two gallons of water.
Small pocket knife, semi-auto pistol in a major calibre and two magazines for same.
Pair of dice.


That's it, of course that list could be whittled down a bit. You have to take into account the terrain you encounter and comfort you desire. I suggest a big meal before you enter and another as soon as you leave the bush. The gun is likely unneeded, but what fun is that.

[Empty Quiver]

2 nights and three days?


Shelter from the weather.
Warm sleeping gear.
3 bags of Doritos ( I would grab the big bags but I'm a big kinda guy ), 3 cans of spam, 2 cans of sardines in mustard sauce , and two gallons of water.
Small pocket knife, semi-auto pistol in a major calibre and two magazines for same.
Pair of dice.


That's it, of course that list could be whittled down a bit. You have to take into account the terrain you encounter and comfort you desire. I suggest a big meal before you enter and another as soon as you leave the bush. The gun is likely unneeded, but what fun is that.

3 litres of Wild Turkey Rye Wiskey can be substituted for all of the above.


Be sure to leave the handgun at home and do not forget the big meals

[gatorshooter]

I just took a look in my truck as it sits after hunting season. our Deer camp is pretty remote so we have our trucks prepared. ( I have a company car so the truck sits in the garage) in the tool box is a full roll of 550 cord-- I love the stuff.. tow strap, 6 ratchet straps, 6 ton chain comealong and a 1 1/2 ton, several 20 ft chains. ( I have a ford F350 4x4 crewcab long bed diesel the 6 ton will pull it out when stuck, slow but it works) folding military shovel. sharp machete, assortment of tools, ax, sockets, hand saws wrench's, hammer etc... bottled water-several gal. roll of paper towels the blue industrial kind, TP in ziplock bag. ( i have daughters we don't go anywhere without TP). bug spray, power inverter behind seat just in case need to run a drill or other powertool, extention cord. several small packets of oatmeal (just add boiling water.. great filling meal, long shelf life but in my truck, they get replaced pretty often...) cans of tunafish, spare battery's for flashlights, 2 pair of channel lock pliers ( great for moving hot pot off fire or working on our deer feeders) lighter and strike anywhere matches, rubber boots, Tarp, and plenty of ammo for my usual firearms that go with me.
 
  bug out bag is loaded with the goretex rain suit-pants and jacket, flashlights, mag fire starter, lifeboat matches, pressurized windproof lighter, compass, knifes both a fixed blade and folder, leatherman, small ezlap sharpener, MRE, canteen with metal cup, spare tshirt, socks, wool sweater. space blanket, small med kit.. 2 full mags for my glock (it stays with me, never leave home without it!) mesh head and face covering keeps mosquitoes at bay (ever try to get some sleep with a mosquito buzzing in your ears!) boonie hat- 360 brim to keep sun off ears and neck, and military pancho.
 
the truck toolbox stays loaded this way all year. the BOB goes in whatever vehicle I am in.
I figure I can last a few days if stuck out in it. I frequently go to our camp and hunt alone (only 1 other bowhunter in our camp) so I'm pretty well prepared. Also have a real good sleeping bag and hunting clothes that I bring. I live in Louisiana so I don't have to deal with real cold temps. but flooding rain, Mud and mosquitoes are just a way of life.

[Couger]

Surprised no one much has chimed in about the really NORTHERN lattitude states, where really COLD and snowy conditions might be a factor?
 
If you're indeed able to shelter and stay in your 4X4 'man-cave on wheels,' don't forget to include tire chains if you can find space along with an ample bumper jack!!  (maybe?) 
 
Also don't ignore how a comealong could help a lone motorist too, extricate himself and move TONS from being stuck or other obstacles,  even getting through areas where a 4X4 might have a little trouble!
 
ADDED:  Meant to also mention/include ..... that a small pick/pick ax might be useful in a truck tool box, depending on region and terrain. 
 

..... in the tool box is a full roll of 550 cord-- I love the stuff.. tow strap, 6 ratchet straps, 6 ton chain comealong and a 1 1/2 ton, several 20 ft chains,  folding military shovel. sharp machete, assortment of tools, ax, sockets, hand saws wrench's, hammer etc... bottled water-several gal. roll of paper towels the blue industrial kind, TP in ziplock bag, bug spray, power inverter ....., extention cord. several small packets of oatmeal (just add boiling water), cans of tunafish, spare battery's for flashlights, 2 pair of channel lock pliers ( great for moving hot pot off fire or working on our deer feeders) lighter and strike anywhere matches, rubber boots, Tarp, and plenty of ammo for my usual firearms that go with me.
 
  bug out bag is loaded with the goretex rain suit-pants and jacket, flashlights, mag fire starter, lifeboat matches, pressurized windproof lighter, compass, knifes both a fixed blade and folder, leatherman, small ezlap sharpener, MRE, canteen with metal cup, spare tshirt, socks, wool sweater, space blanket, small med kit.. 2 full mags for my glock (it stays with me, never leave home without it!) mesh head and face covering keeps mosquitoes at bay (ever try to get some sleep with a mosquito buzzing in your ears!) boonie hat- 360 brim to keep sun off ears and neck, and military pancho.
 
the truck toolbox stays loaded this way all year. the BOB goes in whatever vehicle I am in.
I figure I can last a few days if stuck out in it. I frequently go to our camp and hunt alone (only 1 other bowhunter in our camp) so I'm pretty well prepared. Also have a real good sleeping bag and hunting clothes that I bring. I live in Louisiana so I don't have to deal with real cold temps. but flooding rain, Mud and mosquitoes are just a way of life. 

Quite a list of good items GatorShooter!  That power inverter I suppose could be very useful after a hurricane helping to run power tools cleaning up if not rescueing folks!

For someone on foot I haven't seen many mentions of space blankets or smallish fishing kits, and something I'm doing is using braded Spiderwire ALONG with monofiliment in my kit.  Both are to fish with, the MF for leader, but the bradeed line for much much more!
 
Three reasons for the Spiderwire besides fishing, is that braded line makes a decent substitute for upholstry thread for sewing repairs, but also for snares and additional cordage.  And 20# strength Spiderwire is as thin as 6# monoF!    Thats why it would make a good substitute for really strong thread.
 
The 550 paracord is especially great if its the kind with 7 individual threads inside, making it handy for use on large needs or projects on down to the smaller ones.  And 550 paracord is a great substitute for shoe boot laces too, whether or NOT the inner 7 threads have been removed (the covering sleeve of the 550 paracord is quite strong by itself!
 
I would also encourage folks to carry an athletic whistle for signaling, but also a small signal mirror like downed pilots carry, a couple caylume sticks, and even small boat flares if your situation could benefit having them.
 
Of course if I needed assistance to get home from being stranded, would be considerably different if a SHTF-disaster/crisis occurred and anarchy was the norm.  If at time like that I might prefer to travel only at night bypassing [the WRONG] people or authorities I wished to avoid!
 
Trying to avoid trouble or attack is a given, but i also remember after the Katrina aftermath when "authorities" crammed EVERYONE (not smart enough to leave Nawlenz) in the 'dome' and then wouldn't let any of them leave!!  I'd be real angry if my family or I got caught in some 'dragnet' and lost control of our independence and destiny. 
 
ADDED:  'Heet' is a product often added to gasoline to help run moisture out of a gas tank/fuel line, but Heet is mostly denatured alchohol great for use as fuel for pocket stoves that weigh mere ounces. (for those not familiar with those tiny stoves  -  check on eBay).  With a little training a whole hot meal could be prepared from a canteen or metal [sierra] cup and boiling water as the main "key" ingredient.   
 
There's also the stylus or L.E.D. lights to affix to a hat brim, or head-lamps/lights for changing a flat tire at night or whatever else you need your hands free and not holding a flashlight.

[Couger]

Need to repent on this item!
 
I keep forgetting to EMPHASIZE carrying some inexpensive but good solid binoculars!
 
Who remembers the scene in "Behind Enemy Lines" when Owen Wilson's character could whip out his pocket-size binoes?  And how handy they were?
 
Even cheap binoes could save a life. 

[SHOOTALL]

Cougar good point. A good scope with a QD set up that will hold zero could serve the purpose if aval.

[Couger]

..... a good scope with a QD set up that will hold zero could serve the purpose if aval.

Hughhhh!!!! 
You're really kidding, right!!??  Are you encouraging Shootall, that people should use the scopes on their firearms in lue of proper hand-held binoculars!!??
 
If so, isn't that incredibly unsafe? (and irresponsible?)  Did I misread something?  Is this some joke?       I have heard of some really [dumb and dangerous] people doing exactly that.
 
Maybe you misread my post SH!  First off binoculars are designed for looking over large areas without causing undue fatigue,  especially a set of binoes one might take to a football game!  A rifle scope is designed with only ONE PURPOSE, which is as a "sight" to direct high velocity bullets to targets the shooter intends to kill (if the target isn't that,  a "target"). 
 
But regardless of the rightness or wrongness of such an "act" of scoping people with a rifle  remember that most of those rifles might be loaded!  And are NOT gonna be in quick detachable mounts,  and can cause deaths by directly pointing and using them in ways the manufacturers never intended!
 
Conversely, regardless of how many people a binocular-owner might "scope" and cover with his binoculars he can never shoot them "accidently" with his binoculars!
 
holy cow! 

 

[Empty Quiver]

Q D Quick Detach. Take it off the gun look at stuff then replace. This would seem to address your safety concerns, no?


Not putting words in any ones mouth but this is how I read the post.