Mel Tappan

Mel Tappan (1933-1980) was an influential survivalist author and firearms expert who wrote extensively about emergency preparedness and self-reliance during the 1970s. His work focused on practical approaches to survival planning and preparedness, with an emphasis on firearms selection, food storage, and retreat strategies. Tappan's most notable work was "Tappan on Survival," published posthumously in 1981, which became a foundational text in the survivalist movement. He also wrote a regular column for Soldier of Fortune magazine and published "Survival Guns," a comprehensive guide to selecting and using firearms for self-defense and survival situations. Through his writings, Tappan promoted the concept of retreating to rural areas as a survival strategy and emphasized the importance of developing practical skills over simply stockpiling supplies. His work helped establish many of the core principles that would later define the modern preparedness movement. In addition to his books and columns, Tappan operated a survival consulting business in southern Oregon, where he advised clients on preparedness strategies and equipment selection until his death in 1980.

Readers consistently highlight Tappan's practical, no-nonsense approach to preparedness and his detailed firearms knowledge. Many note his focus on realistic solutions over fear-mongering. What readers liked: - Clear, specific equipment recommendations with explanations - Detailed technical information about firearms remains relevant - Emphasis on skills and training over just buying supplies - Practical retreat location analysis - Real-world experience backing his advice What readers disliked: - Some firearms information is outdated due to newer models - Writing can be dry and technical - Limited coverage of non-firearms survival topics - Some retreat location suggestions no longer viable due to population growth Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.6/5 (Survival Guns) 4.4/5 (Tappan on Survival) Goodreads: 4.2/5 average One reader noted: "Unlike many survival authors, Tappan provides specific, actionable advice based on personal testing." Another commented: "His firearm recommendations need updating, but the selection criteria remain solid."

Survival Guns (1976) Technical guide covering selection, maintenance, and use of firearms for self-defense and survival situations.

Tappan on Survival (1981) Comprehensive manual covering preparedness strategies, equipment selection, and self-reliant living skills.

Living Well Year Round in an Underground House (1980) Technical guide to planning, constructing, and maintaining subterranean dwellings for permanent habitation.

Letters From the American Southwest (1982) Collection of personal correspondence detailing observations and experiences of life in America's southwestern region.

Kurt Saxon focused on self-reliance and survival preparedness in the 1970s-80s, publishing works like "The Poor Man's James Bond" and "The Survivor" series. He wrote extensively about home manufacturing, defensive living, and practical skills for independence.

James Wesley Rawles writes both non-fiction survival guides and survival-themed novels focusing on economic collapse scenarios. He founded SurvivalBlog.com and emphasizes Christian values in preparedness like Tappan did.

Bruce Clayton wrote "Life After Doomsday" and other nuclear survival guides during the Cold War era. His work contains detailed technical information about radiation, shelter design, and post-disaster survival strategies.

Joel Skousen specializes in strategic relocation and survival retreat design through books like "Strategic Relocation" and "The Secure Home." He analyzes geopolitical threats and provides specific guidance for selecting and developing survival properties.

Ragnar Benson authored numerous books on survival skills, weapons, and self-sufficiency starting in the 1970s. His works cover practical topics like medicine, food storage, and security from a position of hands-on experience.