What's in a name?

The name of this blog refers in part to the fact that most civilians who carry a handgun eventually try a "mousegun." Often used as a perjorative against firearms that a person considers too small or "weak" for the task, a mousegun is generally agreed to be a small handgun -- usually of a small caliber, such as .22, .25, .32 or .380 -- although the term is sometimes used to refer to other guns and calibers, such as small .38 Specials.

A mousegun's best feature is that it can be carried when a larger, more powerful handgun is left at home in the safe. It's shortcoming comes when we carry it instead of a more effective gun, just because it's light and convenient.

The title also refers to the mouse, an animal with some qualities that I admire. Quiet, unassuming and alert, a mouse avoids trouble whenever possible. The smart mouse, however, backs up awareness and avoidance with tools and training and can defend him or herself.

In this blog, I hope to offer an exploration of issues, hardware, and "software" related to concealed handgun carry, self-defense, and the shooting sports.