The Packing Rat

Why he hates 1911s. He has many good points. I also laughed.

Instead of sewing rats, I’m playing around in illustrator. Thoughts?

Training has provided me a level of competency to shoot consistently well; well enough to safely respond to generic stimuli to execute a satisfactory shot for self-defense purposes from concealment. At least I like to think so. With some practice, it’s pretty darned easy to unholster a firearm from concealment. Speed, accuracy, and movement can [...]

This afternoon, I stayed in and installed an AEK Trigger on Shenanigun’s Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol.  Courtesy of APEX Tactical Specialties, the addition of the AEK trigger provides a reduction in pre-travel and over-travel resulting in a perception of an improved trigger pull.  This trigger may stand alone, or further enhance APEX Tactical [...]

Assuming a five shot revolver with a speed strip reload is the definition of an optimist, I’ve shed bit a off. After a recommendation from a TPR reader and Gun Blogger Rendezvous attendee, I picked up the 8-round Tuff Quickstrip to replace my 6-round speed strips.  Instead of 4 rounds on a 6-round Quickstrip with my [...]

I used to enjoy cleaning my firearms, but then a took an arrow to the knee. Don’t shoot me in the knee; I know this/that meme is old (Internet time). If you’re a new gun owner, or have few firearms, cleaning firearms post range-time isn’t an issue. For some, it’s an enjoyable experience. Then there [...]

Yay! The sun was out, and so was I. Went to the range and did more revolver work based on Southnarc’s PDF on the snubbie.  Watching the video, my biggest challenge will be maintaining movement and scanning my surroundings for possible threats. I can already hear the folks crying, “MOOOON CLIPPPPS!”

The .22LRs were Remington subsonic rounds. Sounds like a sewing machine.

As a gift, I purchased a Moon Clip Tool several months ago.  The Moon Clip Tool strips and loads moon clips! One arbor is provided for the caliber of your choice.  Extra arbors are $5.00 each.  Clint Walker, the gentleman behind the Moon Clip Tool, makes a quality product and ships out fast.  I may [...]

The rainy days were bound to show up.  It’s been a wet week and it appears some drivers forget what it’s like operating their vehicle in not-so-sunny weather.  My commute home on Friday took 1 hour and 45 minutes as opposed to the normal 40 minutes. On rainy days, or most days for that matter, [...]

A long time friend finally got the “go ahead” from the missus to purchase an appropriate handgun for personal protection in the home.  She acknowledged the old .22 LR Derringer won’t cut it. Same ol’ story:  I introduced him to a series of semi-automatics and revolvers.  Discussions concerning shotguns and rifles were brief.  I provided [...]

Thanks to Cal-Tac, a FFL in Roseville, CA, for sponsoring the event and donating several goodies (including a lever action rifle).  Thank you Public Safety Training Institute for bringing Lt. Col. Dave Grossman to Sacramento, CA. If you read the books, On Killing, On Combat, and Warrior Mindset, then you may already agree that seeing [...]

The Gun Blogger Rendezvous is a little over six months away, so if you haven’t made plans already, now is a great time to mark your calendars on September 5-8 to attend this fun filled event in Reno, NV.  Registration forms aren’t available yet, so sit tight and watch what a few other bloggers have [...]

I recently came across one of Andrew’s older blog posts at Vuurwapen Blog; it’s a well written piece imparting his knowledge and experience when it comes to carrying a concealed firearm and dating.  Your mileage my vary, but I identify with his experience — even as a Californian resident. Four years of dating following a [...]

Derek takes the Marlin 25MN on a range trip.

The weekend before SHOT Show 2012, I visited my Dad in Arizona.  Met new family, and went shooting at Caswells in Mesa, AZ.  Turned out to be a good facility, so be sure to check them out if you’re in the area. Aside from a shotgun, Dad never shot a pistol.  Though his wife shot [...]

Just created a new page, “TPR Sightings,” with links and photos of folks with their The Packing Rat gear; we’re all “packing rats” of guns, gear and grub.  Check it out at the tab located above!  Are you a TPR fan?  Get your patch (via PayPal)!  Folks can send MO, or personal checks, but should [...]

Derek likes the Beltman’s belt. You will, too.

Derek will buy a cup of coffee tomorrow for Starbucks Appreciation Day. Maybe two if he’s lucky.

Instead of a wooden sword, I’ll take the semi-automatic pistol. This is a phrase coined in 1986 in the Nintendo Entertainment System video game, The Legend of Zelda.  Check out the Know Your Meme website for further detail.  It’s dangerous to go alone.  Take this. Tyler, 1791apparel.com, sent me a shirt of my choice and [...]