A cool tactical pen inspired by a rifle

Lock and load to write in the trenches, on the road, or at home.

A few weeks ago I was rewarded with a gift box from SnackMagic. While salivating through the potpourri of exotic munchies to pig out on, a writing machine caught my eye. I weighed the benefits of delicious distending carbs, or an exotic pen that looked like it could kill a deer. My credits poofed away in an instant, but while others pushed the scale, I’d be putting magic on paper — for carbs are fleeting, but the right tactical pen can last a lifetime.

KeysmartⓇ Tactiv WP09 Bolt Action Pen

Inspired by the Colt M16A4 Series 5.56mm Rifle, the Tactiv WP09 is rugged and solid; it could double as a bullet — an elegant badass. Add the ability to write upside-down in the rain, and the $60 buck price tag makes sense. Be it man or woman, hunter or nerd, it’s a nice addition to any writer’s arsenal. Disposable pens are nice and cheap, but they’re not built for the trenches.

Packaging and presentation

The packaging features a silky smooth coating, embossed product imagery, and silver leaf typographical accents. The side panels feature die-cut ridges that mirror the pen’s design. With a push of the hang tab, you slide the box down to…