The Packing Rat

Derek’s notes on the Ares Defense ACR.

Derek discusses his force-on-force training progress and reaffirms his greatest weakness is not in physical or firearms training, but verbal acumen.

Derek buys another P3AT and observes some changes.

3rd quarter 2013, I was anticipating a single stack 9mm from GLOCK.  Imagine my disappointment when a retailer went live with their G42 accessories in December and leaked that it was a .380 ACP before GLOCK formally announced the release. GLOCK is a couple years behind, but I suppose no one was all that surprised.  […]

I’ve dabbled with magazine pouches for the Kahr PM9 and found I like Dale Fricke’s horizontal pouch, Joab.  I have it positioned on my left side with the bullet pointed up, at 9-10 o’clock – just behind the iliac crest.  Easy to attach on and detach from the belt.  I’m also using Fricke’s Jonathan concealment […]

I came across an article written by Aaron Cowan at Moderno that really described a shift in my training paradigm three years ago.  Cowan writes, “All things considered, the case for a sedentary life or simply practicing the gun and not strengthening the body is not just weak, it’s effectively dead.” It’s particularly intriguing when […]

Derek supplements Random Gun’s guide on how to remove the magazine disconnect on a Ruger SR22 pistol.

Derek shoots at a steel target from Grizzly Targets.

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

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

Tired.  This is all I am posting this evening. Nightforce BEAST and ATACR.

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

If you didn’t know, Gun Blogger Rendezvous VII registration is open. It’s a little under 90 days away! Are you going to make it? Be sure to mark your calendars, September 5 – 8. You may download and send off the form here. Check out what others had to say about the Gun Blogger Rendezvous […]

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 […]

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 […]