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One of the biggest things we are proponents of is the implementation of a concealed carry system. This isn't the type of Every Day Carry (EDC) system that you occasionally carry or carry when you have to drive through a less desirable part of town. This is something you carry with you on a daily basis, and you NOT carrying the system is very much the exception rather than the norm. This doesn't have to be elaborate, expensive or bulky but there are a few prerequisites that do have to be met.
I'll preface part of this by saying, an everyday carry system isn't comfortable. It doesn't have to be uncomfortable necessarily, but to carry a pistol that weighs 3lbs or more is something you feel on your waist. Especially for those new to carrying every day, there is an expectation that your Glock 19 is going to disappear on your waist and go unnoticed by the wearer, that is unfortunately not the case. A good holster, a quality gun belt and sizing your clothes appropriately is key to making it a more comfortable experience. Every body type and carry position is a little different so I can't give you a die-hard set of recommendations that are guaranteed to work but I can give you what works for me.
Now, to the prerequisites.....
RELIABILITY:
Regardless of your budget or personal tastes, whatever you choose to conceal carry MUST BE RELIABLE. I don't care if you are a Glock fan, a die-hard Sig owner or your budget puts you into a taurus level of carry. The system HAS to work when you need it to. We often hear people tell us that the firearm they chose is cheap because the "police will take it anyway and it's cheaper to replace when I don't get it back". We don't subscribe to that mentality. This is an item I may have to literally bet my life on. An item you may have to bet your family’s life on. I don't believe that saving a couple hundred dollars is worth that bet. We carry life insurance, home insurance, car insurance, etc., etc. If you are willing to pay all that money on the possibility that life will throw a curve ball then doesn't it make sense to hedge your bets on people throwing a curve ball? Buy quality. Even if it's just for the systems you use to defend yourself and your family. Glock 19, Glock 43x, Sig p365 and Springfield Hellcat are all pistols I recommend and have been proven reliable in my experience. Make sure you budget for a quality holster when you purchase this firearm as it's key to a comfortable and SAFE carry.
FREQUENCY OF CARRY:
This one is pretty simple and doesn't need much of explanation. EDC is a procedural part of every day. Procedures exist to create a consistent and repeatable event. CARRY EVERY SINGLE DAY. It doesn't make sense to only carry when it's convenient. If you don't carry every day then it defeats the purpose of that system being in place at all.
TRAINING:
This is another one that's pretty simple. Get out and train. We will be posting a YouTube video on the drills we recommend and standards we believe should be met to be a competent shooter. If you can't meet these standards then more training should be considered. I'm not saying you shouldn't carry if you can't meet these standards. However, we as shooters and gun owners should always strive to be better, make each other better and push each other to grow. I will update this post with a link to that video when we finish editing.
Alright, with the basics out of the way let’s move on to the GEAR!
What I personally recommend for Every Day Carry is pretty simple.
A QUALITY PISTOL: I carry a Sig Sauer P365 Macro with Holosun EPS Carry red dot and Streamlight TLR-7 weapon mounted light. I personally believe that every firearm used for personal defense or protection of others should have a weapon mounted light. Not everyone feels as strongly as I do about that, but you can't hit what you can't see and PROPERLY identify. There are stories released every year of guys shooting their kids, wives or daughter’s boyfriends because they couldn't positively identify the threat. A simple $100 light could easily avoid that and doesn't add the weight and bulk to a pistol that some believe. If you fall into the mentality that “lights will give away your position,” then I HIGHLY recommend you take a low light pistol class. You will have some beliefs busted and it will change the way you view lights.
https://www.fullcirclereloading.com/products/handguns-glock-pa195s203mos-764503030826-6899
https://www.fullcirclereloading.com/products/handguns-sig-sauer-365xca9bxr3rxx-798681689415-6899
SPEAKING OF LIGHTS:
A pocket light is an absolute must. I was against them at one point but was talked into trying one. I will never be without one again. Having a good light is an invaluable tool. For example; you don't want to use your weapon light to look under your car for the cup you dropped while fueling up. I lean on that pocket light significantly more than I ever thought I would. A pocket light is much more useful than your phone light for everyday tasks. I run the Cloud Defensive MCH or a Streamlight pen light depending on what I'm wearing. I will have the Cloud on me for probably 90% of any of the circumstances I find myself in. It's rechargeable and has a very useful range of brightness options. Whether for low light admin work or full brightness while searching for things in the dark, this light covers every situation.
https://www.fullcirclereloading.com/products/optics-cloud-defensive-chicro01blk-850039978593-6899
A QUALITY HOLSTER:
A quality holster is a foundational part of your EDC. It will make the firearm of your choice much easier to conceal, much more comfortable to carry and much much safer to reholster in the event you need to draw it. I personally use Tier1 Concealed. I have had many brands over the years including Crossbreed, Alien, Uncle Mikes(please don't make this mistake....), Trex Arms, We The People and a few more..l.I keep returning to Tier1 and now own one for all my pistols that don't need a levle 3 retention system. I'm not saying these other brands don't work and you may find that something like the Alien Gear or Crossbreed is more comfortable for you. Unfortunetly, you may have to buy a few before you find one you truly love. Body size, shape, fitness level and WHERE on your body you plan to carry will all drive your choice of holster. Just buy quality and the rest is personal preferance.
A QUALITY POCKET KNIFE:
I carry a knife EVERYWHERE I go. I've lost more than a few to airport security because it's become such an engrained habit to put one in my pocket. I carry a Benchmade CLA and I love it. I don't know that you need to spend good money on a knife but I am an absolute nerd for good knives and lights.
https://www.fullcirclereloading.com/products/knives-cold-steel-cs27bt-705442017622-6899
My EDC has changed quite a bit over the years, especially as budget and training levels have changed but I have been running the current setup for several years and don't see myself changing anything at this point in time. Let us know what you think and tell us what your ideal carry system is!