The Packing Rat

Derek jots some thoughts on his ear pro.

Derek adds to MouseGunAddict’s thoughts on pocket carry pants.

Derek, the moth, visits the lights of San Francisco. Didn’t get zapped.

Turtle Skin Turtle Skin manufactures a variety of protective equipment: body armor, gloves, snake protection, etc.  The BladeTect shirt caught my eye initially.  It’s like a lightweight chain mail to minimize the threat against blades and sharp cuts.  It’s also breathable and appears/feels it would be comfortable to wear.  Also photographed below are Snake Gaiters, […]

Derek’s first day at SHOT Show 2013.

This is the coolest year I’ve encountered in Las Vegas, NV.  I must admit, however, I’m not a very good barometer to determine what cold really is. I was prepared, so I managed quite well.  Minus 33 Merino wool base layer, Ice Breaker Merino wool t-shirt, silk sock liner, Darned Tough Merino wool socks, Triple […]

Please recall the negative attention Mr. Helinski of Guns America received last year.  I didn’t take offense; therefore, made no comment on the matter.  However, I do question if there will be stringent protocols in place to differentiate qualified media professionals from nobodies.  Below is an email I received offering free shirts for “writers, bloggers, […]

Among the firearms I took out recently was a Ruger SR22. If you recall, I posted a short disassembly video of the SR22 from SHOT Show 2012. I finally purchased one this week. Probably my first new handgun purchase in awhile. First several rounds seem to have POI consistency issues; however, after about 100 rounds, […]

I received word from TTGunleather that Occidental Leather’s holster models, Stronghold, will be discontinued. Stronghold is discontinuing their holsters – we have a lot of items in stock and available for immediate shipment. Please contact us if you need something for Christmas! Discounted Prices! I wrote a review of the Stronghold holsters awhile back. Now […]

I spent this afternoon at Sacramento Valley Shooting Center working on a few selected drills and reconfirming POI with a shorter front sight from the GLOCK 19. Instead of the .215″ I had, I replaced it with a .185″ – both of which were manufactured by Warren Tactical. Point of impact with the .215″ was […]

Chase from Deep Conceal LLC, approached me to check out their line of firearm concealed carry holsters. Wasn’t quite certain what I could offer considering I’m pretty happy with my current setup, but I had a choice between their shoulder holster or sun visor holster. The shoulder holster can be described as a rib-band with […]

The GunVault Mini GV1000 is broken. Mechanical lock still works, but the actual electronic mechanism is toast. When I enter in the correct code, an electric rotor inside “whirls.” It’s either a known weak point, or it happens quite a bit because it’s asked in GunVault’s, FAQ; the answer provided is less than desired. A […]

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

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 […]

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 […]