The Packing Rat

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 […]

Went to the LGR over the weekend to take a new shooter.  She was relatively unemotional/calm throughout her experience; very Vulcan like.  Likely as a result, I noticed that I was more animated and vocal.  I suppose I can get like that when the other party isn’t, so it works.  She thought shooting was cool, […]

GunUp, proud sponsor of Geek Shootouts, provides lane fees, targets, and GunUp T-Shirts. Their goal?  To reach demographics not normally associated with the Shooting Sports Industry, especially among those in the gaming and technology community.  These events provide a wonderful opportunity for people to experience the fun of shooting in a safe and supportive environment.  […]

She was first introduced to pistols and rifles through a peace officer, but wanted more formal instruction.  We started with an S&W 9mm DA semi-automatic and a GLOCK 19.  Discovered that the fundamentals needed to be reviewed, so we resumed with a Ruger 22/45.  She did fanatically well and moved on to the Les Baer. […]

Mel was another new shooter who took me up on my offer posted on the blog.  You know…  this one. This was several months ago.  She found me via facebook and stumbled upon this blog.  We went to high school together so it was awesome we were able to catch up, while shooting. The basics […]

Stopped by the indoor range again and brought along a new shooter.  Nothing particularly new to report.  She did enjoy herself and managed to shoot a 9mm handgun too.  7 yards shooting with a Ruger Mark III 22/45 and a GLOCK 19. Her approximate words: It was exciting and nerve racking… I think it was […]

Almost two years ago, I took Richard, a new shooter, to the range.  Like the others I’ve taken in the past who never touched a firearm, he enjoyed it very much. Being the enthusiast that I am, I encouraged Richard to purchase a gun since.  I kept teasing him that he should at least buy […]

Just got back from shooting with The Packing Rat, agent zero himself, derek [omitted]. I was genuinely horrified when the day began. I had the blast though. Im all about guns now. Pistol on my side, you don’t wanna hear that thing talk. – Charles

And I wasn’t there… But I’m OK with that. A very cool post, nonetheless.  Being scared or terrified often turns into having fun or being excited; this new shooter is no exception.  It’s nice to see there are others out there doing good by our right to keep and bear arms.  We maintain our right […]

These two are from Hawaii visiting family.  The mother is the a family friend and her son is 11 years old. Andrew, her son, saw me pack up Sunday morning for the range.  The unusually long duffel bag filled with enough equipment to last me three shooting days piqued his interest and asked where I […]

I took a new shooter to the range this weekend.  Unfortunately, I was uncertain how this new shooter would perceive shooting her first firearm.  Instead of going to Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, I paid the range fee at The Gun Room.  I’ve enacted a pseudo-boycott, at best, against The Gun Room; however, is was convenient. […]

Sunday morning, we braved a chilly California morning and afternoon for a day at the range.  Stacy had been trying to get to the shooting range ever since she heard how fun it was from her sister, Sarah.  Introducing her to a few semi-automatic rifles, handguns and a bolt-action rifle, I believe her first experience […]

A couple of weeks ago, my friend’s significant other joined us for a range trip.  I introduced the gentleman to his first firearm in 2008.  This trip was his other half’s first.  Before she pulled the trigger for the first time, she related to me that she was scared.  I assured her that she can […]

This was written sometime in January 2009.  I did not have permission to post Sarah’s first time shooting narrative until recently:

My brother and his other half came in for the weekend several weeks ago. I had time to take them shooting, so we went to the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center. My brother has been on a few trips, but this was Rosey’s first. Here’s her summary. I recently went shooting for the first time in […]

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to take another brand new shooter to the gun range! I had the impression she was a bit more timid than most, but she handled herself very well. She was nervous, but she had an open mind and a desire to  learn; she was an excellent student to […]

Started off my morning a bit groggy.  I didn’t sleep much last night because I watched a spectacular light show that traveled from the north.  Work went well too – nothing out of the ordinary.  Later, I was notified that I’m invited to UC Davis for an interview regarding their credential/MA program.  It’s nice to […]

Last year, I can tally at least five new shooters I’ve introduced to firearms.  It may have been more, but I can’t be certain.  I took another new shooter out over the weekend to start that count all over.  We started off with the Ruger MKIII 22/45.  Going over safety, etc, we braved the chilly […]

I took a new shooter to the range a few weeks ago.  This is probably my favorite video.  Nothing says enthusiasm better than her dance.