Product Review: GOAT-15 Helium .22LR Rifle

In previous posts I've talked about gun safety and properly introducing children to firearms. Both topics are intertwined with using the right tools: firearms that are not only functionally safe, but also of appropriate size and weight for smaller shooters.

While attending the GOA GOALS Expo last year, I got to meet Caelinn, Alex, and Braxton of Mountain Billy Gun Labs. They were more than willing to spend some time talking about their product with me. In the short time I was able to handle this firearm, I was quite intrigued.

Following the expo I reached out to them about getting one of their .22 long rifle GOAT-15 Helium mini AR-15s for testing and evaluation. After the usual communications and assurances, they sent one to my local FFL.

Caelin, Alex, and Braxton at GOA GOALS

Description and Specifications

The GOAT-15 is 28 inches long with the stock collapsed and 31 inches long with the stock fully extended. 

Size comparison

The buffer tube has seven positions, enabling it to fit a variety of shooters.

Smaller, but traditional AR-style stock adjustments

The 16" barrel is rifled 1 turn in 16 with a right hand twist. The muzzle is threaded with standard 1/2-28 threads and comes with a thread protector for when another muzzle attachment isn't in use.

The rifle weighs a featherlight 2.75 pounds unloaded. Adding a Swampfox Liberator green dot optic increases that weight to only 3.2 pounds.

Weight with and without optic

Mountain Billy Gun labs contracted with MagPul on the one piece upper receiver and hand guard. The fore end has standard M-Lok slots for accessory attachment on the sides and bottom, and a full length Picatinny rail on top.

M-Lok handguard with Picatinny rail

The GOAT-15 comes with two magazines, one that holds a single round for training purposes and another that holds five. Ten round magazines are now available as well. If the GOAT-15 product line takes off like I hope it does, maybe Pro-Mag will make a drum for it.

Five round and single round magazines

Other than the M-Lok slots, Picatinny rail, and muzzle threads, no parts on the GOAT-15 are interchangeable with standard AR-pattern rifles or accessories. All other parts are proprietary.

In accordance with BATFE regulations, the serial number is located on a metal plate inset into the right side of the magazine well.

The full Billy

Handling and Shooting

The GOAT-15 Helium is on the compact side for me, but it's a good fit for smaller-statured shooters. My 5'2" tall wife and a 5' tall friend were both comfortable shouldering the rifle with the stock fully extended. Two taller friends and I found that it required a somewhat cramped hold, but we were able to manage with no real issues.

All controls are of the standard and familiar AR pattern, with one exception:  the safety lock, a unique feature of this rifle.

From their website:

Safety was so important, we developed and patented a new tamper resistant safety switch that requires strength and dexterity to release, adding a level of safety found on no other firearm, of any size.

The safety lock is a knurled knob on the right side of the receiver where the boss of the safety lever cross pin is located. In normal use, it can be completely ignored and doesn't interfere with operation of the safety lever in any way. To activate, the knob is pulled out slightly and rotated 180 degrees. This locks the safety in the safe position, rendering the rifle inoperative until the knob is rotated back. If desired, the safety lock can be removed. 

GOAT-15 Lower Receiver

When I talked with Caelinn, Alex, and Braxton at the GOALS Expo, they mentioned the future possibility of a safety lever that could be put in place of the safety lock. This would allow for full ambidextrous operation of the safety. However, that's not a priority at the moment. 

If I were to describe my experience shooting the GOAT-15, the first word that comes to mind is fun. 22s are nearly always fun to shoot, and the GOAT-15 takes that to the next level. It's small and light, while still maintaining the negligible recoil of a 22. It's also quite accurate: shooting from ten yards freehand, anything other than one-hole five-shot groups were the exception.

Shell casings ejected in the four o'clock direction and landed about 10 feet away in a relatively contained area. When the last round is fired, the bolt locks open as with any standard AR platform firearm.

The only issue encountered was on the second day of shooting. We were several hundred rounds in, and the rifle suffered a series of failures to feed. As many people know, 22 rimfire is pretty dirty ammo, and firearm function being affected by a build-up from the externally lubricated bullets and combustion residue is not uncommon. An examination of the rifle revealed a ridge of gunk had accumulated on the feed ramp; a quick scrub with a nylon bristle brush through the ejection port cleared this up and we were back in business.

The rifle was tested with Federal and Winchester 36 grain copper plated hollow points, as well as a mix-and-match of other brands from my leftovers bin. Other than the fouling issue I just mentioned, the GOAT-15 handled them all without a hiccup.

For amusement value, a few of the testers tried shooting it like a pistol, with a one- or two-hand grip. Although a bit muzzle-heavy when shot in this manner, it was manageable, but group size suffered as would be expected.

A passable but unwieldy handgun

Internals

Disassembling the GOAT-15 for cleaning or maintenance is only slightly different from standard AR-patter rifles. While the upper and lower are still connected by takedown and pivot pins, they're not retained by detents. They're also not pushout, instead having a hex socket on one side and a flat slot on the other, which necessitates two tools to unscrew one end of the pin from the other. This process takes a little getting used to, but it isn't complicated. I do recommend securing the rifle before attempting disassembly.

After the pins are removed and the receiver halves separated, remaining teardown is consistent with most ARs. The bolt and charging handle slide out the back of the upper receiver, and that's it. The rifle is field stripped.

Bolt and Charging Handle

When I looked down into the fire control pocket, I would have believed I was seeing a standard AR if I didn't have a sense of scale.

All the internal components look like what we expect to see, just smaller.

Fire Control Group, Hammer up and Down

Packing and Accessories

The GOAT-15 Helium comes packed with foam spacers in a sturdy cardboard box. In addition to the rifle, it also contains two magazines (one-round, and five-round), the federally mandated lock, a manual, and a sticker.

The GOAT-15 in its pen

The MSRP of the GOAT-15 Helium is $470 for the rifle and $23 for the 10-round magazines. In my opinion, this is a remarkably good price.

Mountain Billy has also recently released the ATOM pistol and H2 SBR versions of the GOAT-15, at MSRPs of $480 and $490 respectively. The SBR price does not include the $200 National Firearms Act tax stamp fee.

Summary

At the end of the T&E period, I was so impressed with the GOAT-15 Helium that I talked to Mountain Billy Gun Labs about purchasing their test rifle. They agreed, so I'm now the keeper of this lovely firearm. I foresee it getting plenty of use, both by me and by every friend whose hands I can get it into.

Whether for training new shooters, outfitting a smaller statured shooter, or just as a fun plinker, I highly recommend any of the GOAT-15 variants.

As you might guess, I give it a ten out of ten.

Have fun, and safe shooting.

The Game is a Foot

Humans are bilaterally symmetrical bipeds. As such, we're designed to spend a lot of time on our feet. Unfortunately, Americans generally don't do enough of this. Both extremes of these circumstances can lead to a variety of health issues, specifically foot problems. Thankfully, in addition to balancing our activity levels, we also live in a time where a number of products are available to help maintain foot health.

Keep Your Feet Clean & Dry

I keep packets of baby wipes in my car, as well as my toiletry kit for travel. These can be used to clean any part of my body, not just my feet. A similar product called Dude Wipes is also available.

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When our feet are wet, they are more susceptible to fungal growth (such as athlete's foot) as well as abrasion injuries, so keeping them dry is in our best interests. Microfiber towels are remarkably absorbent, and have a variety of other uses aside from their drying power.

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Talcum powder is a finely ground and extremely soft mineral that absorbs both moisture and (to some degree) odors. It can be applied directly to the feet (especially between the toes) and sprinkled inside shoes to help keep our feet dry. Many types of commercially available talc-free powders are blended with anti-bacterial medications as well.

Wear a Clean Pair of Wool Socks

For colder weather, or situations where we might not be able to change them regularly, merino wool (or other wicking material) socks are recommended. For those with circulatory issues, compression socks can help reduce blood pooling in our feet, a condition that can lead to increased mobility issues, neuropathy, and foot pain. Spare socks should always be part of our Bug-Out, Get-Home, or any other travel supplies.

Protect Against Injuries

A good pair of insoles will cushion our feet against shocks while simultaneously supporting our arches. Regardless of the type purchased, they should be replaced every three to six months.

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If we do suffer an abrasion injury to our feet (whether due to poor fitting shoes, moisture, or some other cause) it needs to be dealt with quickly so as not to become debilitating. A product called Moleskin is available, both as adhesive sheets and as little donuts for use on blisters.

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Finally, keeping our toenails trimmed is important for comfort as well as health. When wearing closed toe shoes, long toenails can impinge against the shoe, frequently leading to pain on even a relatively short walk. Bacteria can also find a cozy home under untrimmed nails.

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For those with other health related foot problems, such as diabetes, please seek out the care of a licensed podiatrist.

Foot Note

While not everyone is able to toe the line, this is a subject that touches our sole.

Product Review: Mantis X3

On this bog we've talked about the importance of shooting practice, particularly dry fire practice for improving skills, accuracy, and confidence. Erin has reviewed several dry fire systems on her blog. Such as the LaserLyte targets and emitters.

(As an aside, the product I'm reviewing here is another fruit from the Gun Owners of America GOALS event I attended earlier this year. I highly recommend it to any of our readers who can attend next year.)

Overview

The Mantis X3 is a small rechargeable unit that can be attached to any handgun or rifle that has a Picatinny accessory rail. For firearms without a Picatinny rail, Mantis also makes adaptors that attach to the bottom of a pistol magazine. 

The X3 works by detecting the amount and direction of movement during trigger pull. In conjunction with a downloadable app, it enables dry and live fire practice whenever and wherever the owner desires. The Mantis X app is available from the Apple, Samsung, and Google play stores and will work on any mobile device that has Bluetooth capability.

What You Get

The Mantis X3 comes well-packaged in a foam lined zippered hard pouch, and includes the unit, a charging cable (USB A to Micro-B), and a printed quick start guide. More detailed instructions and information are available through the app or downloadable from the website.

Mantis X3 Package Contents

 

Weighing in at just under half an ounce (or 13 grams), and measuring 1.3 inches long, one inch wide, and 0.75 inches high, the Mantis X3 is unlikely to affect the handling characteristics of any firearm (with a possible exception being if the user wants to use it in conjunction with holster draw drills).

The Mantis X3 unit

Setup of the Mantis X3 is extremely simple.

1. Download the App
2. Attach the unit to the firearm
3. Connect the device to the app via Bluetooth
4. Start practicing

The unit I received is occasionally a little finicky synching to my phone. I don't know which side of the connection string is causing this, but I haven't run into that issue with other Bluetooth items or when connecting the Mantis to my tablet.

Mantis X App Settings Screen

Once the app is installed and connected, a variety of options for firearm type, shooting hand, mount location, unit orientation, and even live or dry fire modes can be selected.

Mantis X App User Options

There are a number of Training Drills built into the app, including a rotating series of Daily Challenges. Some of these options are timed, while others are not.

Mantis X App Drills

The Mantis X app also has a weekly shot goal. When reached, it will play a fanfare and display confetti drifting down the screen to mark the shooter's achievement. I found this to be a nice, fun feature.

Dry Fire

To use the Mantis X for dry fire practice:

1. Go through the setup steps I mentioned earlier
2. Select a convenient target, or prop the tablet or smartphone up at an appropriate distance.* 
3. Double check to make sure the firearm is unloaded
4. Start the selected drill.

* Since the Mantis doesn't rely on a laser or something similar, any aiming point will do, but I like using the provided on-screen target for dry fire drills. 

Mantis X App Drill Screen

I installed the app on both my smartphone and a tablet. I use the former when practicing at shorter ranges, and the latter when I have more space to work with. There are plenty of stands available through retail sources to hold either the phone or tablet in good positions for practice, and all sorts of phone stand 3D print files can be found on sites such as Thingiverse. In a pinch, a plate stand works as well.

Once the practice session is done, the Mantis X app provides the user with a variety of feedback details to review. Accuracy is obviously measured, but also elapsed time between trigger pulls, overall time, muzzle movement, and even firearm cant. In addition, it has the ability to compare multiple sessions over time, giving a clear metric of improvement and noting any areas which need attention.

Mantis X App Results Screen

Live Fire

I've utilized the live fire drills less frequently, mostly the Shot Timer. When activated, there will be a two to five second delay then a buzzer will sound. At this point, I can fire any number of shots at any pace. Settings can be changed to fit the shooter's preference for delay and number of shots per string.

Mantis X App Live Fire Drill Results

 

I've run this drill with both slow, considered fire, as well as rapid fire. It's certainly more fun than dry fire drills, but it's limited to when I have time and access for live fire. It also consumes ammunition, which can get expensive quickly.

Mantis X3 During Live Fire Drill

 

My Experience

As already mentioned, there are a bunch of practice options included with the app. I've mainly focused on the basic marksmanship Open Training drill. This is untimed accuracy practice, with any number of shots at any pace. Unfortunately, the only pistols in my collection with rails are both striker fired, which currently makes the timed dry fire drills less useful for me.

I've also found if I rack the slide too sharply to reset the pistol, the Mantis unit occasionally registers the slide returning to battery as another shot. This obviously doesn't do my accuracy scores any favors.

Yet even with all that, I've found after only a few training sessions, my sight picture was steadier and my trigger pull was smoother. I just need to make sure I put aside regular blocks of time for additional practice.

Pros and Cons

As far as dry fire training systems go, the Mantis X3 has a number of major benefits. It's small, lightweight, and rechargeable. Installation and use are very simple, and the app is quite versatile and user friendly. Even better, it allows us to practice with our own firearms, so there's no need to adapt to new weight, balance, or trigger pull.

The primary negative element is one common to nearly all dry fire training solutions, and it is not the fault of the unit: since the Mantis X3 reacts to a hammer or striker releasing, it requires re-cocking the action after each shot. Unless you are shooting a double action firearm, this will slow down practice and add some amount of frustration. Even a single action pistol with an exposed hammer will add extra steps to the training process. Again, this isn't the fault of the Mantis unit, but simply a technological reality. Fortunately, there are products on the market to help address this issue, such as those offered by DryFireMag, and I hope to get one of these for testing and evaluation in the future.

Another aspect of the product some people may object to is the necessity for a smartphone or tablet. Considering the vast majority of people are likely to already own one or both, this is probably not a deal breaker for most potential users.

My Rating: 9/10

The Mantis X3 is an excellent unit for improving sight alignment, trigger control, and confidence. It could be especially useful for anyone who travels frequently, as they would be able to practice in their hotel room.

I give the Mantis X3 an easy rating of nine out of ten.

Practice safely, and practice often.

FTC disclaimer: I received this product from Mantis for Test and Evaluation (T&E) purposes. I was not paid for this review. All opinions are my own.

Dry Fire Practice

With winter settling in for much of the United States, outdoor range time can be limited, and not everyone has access to a nice, cozy, climate-controlled indoor range. For those people, I'd like to talk about dry fire practice. 

Dry fire uses all the elements of shooting except for live ammunition. Stance, grip, sights, trigger control, and (to a degree) follow through can all be practiced in comfort. If done properly, dry fire practice can improve trigger control, accuracy, and confidence. 

Safety

The most important things to keep in mind when engaging in dry fire practice are:

1. No ammunition in the area while practice is occurring! Check everything several times to make sure both the gun and the room are clear of all ammunition.  
2. The Four Rules of Gun Safety must still be followed. Even though it isn't loaded, it's still a real gun (or gun-shaped object, in the case of simulators).

 

By maintaining vigilance at all times, we can reduce negligent firearm incidents. The life we save may be our own -- or that of an innocent director of photography. 

Dry Firing Your Firearm

As with any skill, practice is necessary to maintain proficiency, and shooting is no different. The purpose of dry fire practice is to achieve the perfect trigger pull while keeping your sight picture. Since live ammunition isn't being used, there's no loud noise and recoil to startle you, meaning you're less likely to anticipate the recoil or flinch from the noise. 

Try to engage in dry fire practice on a regular basis. A good start is 15 minutes a day every other day, and if possible, move this up to every single day. The benefits on the range will make themselves known in short order. 

1. Practice the same way you shoot. Keep everything as identical as possible: stance, grip, sight picture, and trigger control.
2. Aim your safe and unloaded firearm at a target. For my target, I like to use something I don't use on the live fire range. This helps segregate the two environments. Dry firing on a hot range isn't an issue, but the opposite certainly would be.
3. Pull the trigger. If you've done everything correctly, you'll hear a click, not a boom.
4. Reset and go again. 

When dry firing, try to incorporate as many operational elements as possible, such as drawing from the holster, magazine changes, one handed ( both primary and off hand) and different positions.

Semi-Auto Solutions

Dry fire practice with a revolver is in many ways much easier than with a semi-auto, since the trigger can simply be pulled over and over without any additional steps throughout the process. However, with a semi-auto, the firing mechanism needs to be reset manually after each trigger pull. There are really only three options to deal with this issue, and there are pros and cons to each:

1. Manual: Rack the slide or re-cock the hammer after each shot. 
• Pros: Least expensive method, and great for a beginner or  for maintaining muscle memory.
• Cons: Only able to fire single shots, which quickly becomes frustrating.
2. Magazine Accessory: Get a dry fire magazine solution, such as the appropriately named Dry Fire Mag. 
• Pros: Resets the pistol after each shot, and keeps the feel and trigger experience of the host handgun. 
• Cons: Expensive (around $100 per magazine), limited to certain models of handgun, and many won't work with a firing pin activated laser cartridge.
3. Simulator: Buy a dedicated dry fire simulator such as the SIRT (Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger) pistol. 
• Pros: Fully simulates operating the pistol, including (depending on brand and model) magazine release, slide manipulation, and recoil. 
• Cons: Most expensive of all solutions, starting at "used pistol" prices at the low end and reaching "new pistol" prices at the high end. 

While dry firing won't damage a modern centerfire firearm, it's not recommended with rimfires. This is because the firing pin protrusion in a rim fire may impact the edge of the chamber, possibly damaging the firing pin, displacing the metal from the breech into the cartridge feed path, or both. Certain older centerfire handguns, such as the CZ 52, are also known for having weak firing pins. One way to reduce this issue is to place a fired cartridge in the chamber or chambers, in the case of a revolver. However, with a striker fired semi-auto, it'll likely get ejected each time the mechanism is reset. 

Accessories

A shot timer is a good thing to have, both for dry and live fire practice. The initiating beep can be set for a random amount of time, and some of the newer ones can detect dry fire operation.

Snap Caps are plastic or aluminum cartridges with a rubber cushion in the primer position. With most handgun calibers, they come 5 or 6 to a pack. This allows multiple rounds to be cycled through the gun during practice. 

If you reload, you can also make your own snap caps by following the same process Movie Armorers used to make what are called hero rounds: 

1. Take an empty cartridge case.
2. Drill and chamfer a couple of holes through it so that it's visibly different from a live round.
3. Toss in a few BB's for weight and to add an audible difference.
4.  Seat a bullet and crimp as normal. 
5. Put a drop of silicone caulk in the primer pocket to act as a cushion for the firing pin. 

There are also systems like the MantisX, which incorporates a movement detecting sensor that connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. This allows us to practice and record our results for later review. I'll discuss this system next week.

Of course, there are always books on the subject. I recommend the following:

• DryFire Reloaded by Ben Stoeger
• The Dry Fire Primer by Annette Evans
• Refinement and Repetition by Steve Anderson

Have fun, and safe shooting.

Edible Plants

There are a multitude of nutritious edible plants everywhere in nature. While time of year and location may affect availability, there is nearly always something for us to eat when we're out in the woods and fields.

Due to the risk of misidentification, I'm not going to be covering mushrooms in this article. The difference between nutrition and mortician can be very, very subtle. As the saying goes, "Every mushroom is edible, but some are edible only once."

Books

There are numerous books available on edible wild plants, such as Foraging: Explore Nature's Bounty and Turn Your Foraged Finds Into Flavorful Feasts by Mark Vorderbruggen and Thayer's Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America by Sam Thayer, to name just two. The Official U.S. Army Illustrated Guide To Edible Wild Plants can be downloaded and stored on a mobile device for remote wanderings.

Smartphone Apps

iNaturalist is a useful app, available for both Android and iPhone, which is a cooperative database of plant identification. Users can query the existing information as well as upload their own discoveries and photos. As a resident of Tennessee, though, I particularly like the more specialized Tennessee Wildflowers app. The name is somewhat deceptive, as it isn't only about flowering plants, nor limited to the boundaries of just one state; it contains data on nearly 3,500 species of plants found in Tennessee and the surrounding areas, only about half of which are wildflowers. One of the better features of this app is that the database is local to the device, so it's useable even in areas of poor service.

Websites

There are also a number of plant identification sites on the web. Some are good, some not so good. One of my personal favorites is called Eat the Invaders, which is all about edible invasive species. It's useful information with a sense of humor. The Texas Real Food website, contrary to the name, has edible plant information indexed by state, but be warned that much of the information on the site is contained in videos. As usual, the Cornell Cooperative has a lot of useful information on their website.

Differences

An important detail to keep in mind is that some parts of the same plant may be more or less healthy to eat than others, or the same part may be more nutritious at different parts of its life cycle, or may require some preparation for best use.

Cattails

With cattails, for example, the young shoots, flowers, and pollen are best in the spring, while the stalks and roots are best in the fall. As a bonus feature, the head of a ripe cat tail dipped in oil or wax can make a useful torch, and the fluff can be used as tinder for fire starting.

Stinging Nettles

Similarly, nettles, (which are a source of Vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, and more) should be cooked before eating to deactivate the mild toxin in the stinging hairs. Use gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.

Dandelions

Dandelions are a ubiquitous weed found almost everywhere in the continental United States. Harvesting them young (before the flowers erupt from their buds) is best, though they should be boiled in salted water to reduce the bitterness. The roots can be used for a tisane or tea substitute, and the leaves of the flower can be added to enhance salads.

A Final Word

It's a very good idea to use more than one source, and to compare them, when identifying plants for edibility, just in case one of the sources is in error. 

Eat safely, and eat well. 

Prepper's Pantry: Garlic Cheese Biscuits

I saw these tasty treats mentioned online, but when I tried to go back, I couldn't find the source. I decided to try my hand at making them myself, based on what I remembered of the description.

While I made mine from fresh ingredients, nearly every component of this recipe can be found in a well-stocked prepper's pantry. 

• Harder cheeses, if prepared properly, can last without refrigeration for quite a while. 
• Canned cheeses are also available, and they have shelf lives measured in years. 
• The same is true for butter. 
• Jarred crushed garlic, if unopened and stored in a cool dark place, can last quite a while, and powdered garlic lasts even longer.
• Home-made biscuit dough can be used, though the article I read called for the pre-made kind found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.

I've made these biscuits twice now, once with each type of dough. A lesson I learned was not rolling the home-made kind too thin.

Once the dough is prepared, assembly can begin.

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

Ingredients

• Biscuit dough
• Cheese, cubed or shredded
• Garlic, crushed
• Butter

Recipe

1. Roll the biscuit dough no less than ½" thick and cut into 3" rounds.
2. Place approximately ½ teaspoon of butter in the middle of the dough.
3. Add preferred cheese, enough to cover the butter. (I used mozzarella.)
4. Add ½ teaspoon or so of crushed garlic.
5. Carefully fold the dough over the contents and pinch closed.
6. Bake at 350° for 14-16 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Don't be concerned if some of the biscuits open during baking.

If desired, drizzle with melted butter, and serve while still warm. 

Biscuit rounds cut and rolled out with filling added

Folded over and ready for the oven

Out of the oven and ready to serve

These biscuit can be reheated... if there are any left over, that is. 

Enjoy!

Prepper's Pantry: Cooking in the Dark

In a previous article, I talked about different choices for power free ingredient prep. However, this does us only so much good unless we are also able to cook without power. Thankfully, there are a number of different options available to us for this process as well. While some of these alternatives are more accessible for those living in a less urban environment, there should be something available for everyone.

WARNING: several of these methods can produce dangerous combustion residue, such as carbon monoxide, and should never be used indoors.

Gas Stoves

Whether running off propane or natural gas, a traditional non-electric stove can usually still be used during a power outage. Some of the more modern versions of this appliance may be encumbered by computerized controls (such as touch pads) that limit their utility; however, if there are manual knobs to turn on gas to the burners and matches to light them, then cooking can commence.

Traditional Gas Oven

While this process may not work for activating the oven, many meals can be prepared solely on the stovetop. Just make sure the gas is properly turned off when cooking is done.

Grills

Available in sizes from large to small, and fueled by either charcoal or propane, grills are the next option to discuss. While generally not viable for apartment dwellers (unless they have a balcony or access to a park or other common area), there are a wide variety of choices in this area.

Small cast iron charcoal grills, commonly called hibachi, are the most basic example of this category. Don't let their minimal size mislead you; they can certainly be used to prepare full meals.

Classic Hibachi Style Grill

From here, grills move up in size and expense. Next up are the traditional Weber Buoy or Kettle style charcoal grills and similar designs. There are a variety of options, capacities, and accessories to choose from with these grills.

Weber Classic Kettle Grill

Propane grills have really taken off over the past few decades, and there are a dizzying variety of sizes, styles, options, and accessories available in this area.

Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill

Camp Stoves

On a related (but much more portable) note are classic camp stoves. These come in many sizes, from small enough to perch on top of a small fuel canister...

Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove

...to large enough for heating two pots at the same time. These days, most run on propane, but there are other options as well, such as butane.

Coleman Classic Camp Stove

An even more compact version of the camp stove concept is the small, folding Esbit-type pocket stoves, which are designed to be run off fuel tablets. However, they also can use twigs or even small candles in a pinch.

Esbit Pocket Stove

Fire Pits

For those with appropriate space and zoning, another possibility is a fire pit, either as a permanent emplacement or a free-standing unit.

The Author's Backyard Fire Pit

If you plan on going this route, some sort of grate or pot hanger should be purchased to simplify cooking over an open fire.

Folding Cooking Grate

Campfire Tripod Pot Hanger

There are even fire pits on the market that come with cooking surfaces included.

Portable Fire Pit with Cooking Surfaces

These are just some of the available considerations for cooking when electricity isn't available.

Regardless which option is used, it's always a good idea to have some sort of fire suppression system on hand in case of accidents or emergencies. 

Have fun, and cook safely.