Fighting Guns and Gear
When it comes to choosing a carry gun, there's often a rush to opt for smaller firearms. However, after talking to numerous individuals with real-world gunfight experience, a consistent trend emerges: they all prefer carrying larger guns or more ammunition, without exceptions. Striking a balance between the size of your firearm and how you dress is crucial. While our hope is to never be in a gunfight, a gun should be substantial enough for self-defense, including using it as an improvised tool if necessary. Ideally, it should have a capacity of 10 to 15 rounds, be semi-automatic with minimal buttons and levers, robust sights suitable for various environments, and no manual safety. If it does have a safety, it should be passive and left in the "off" position. The firearm should have a consistent trigger and, above all, be reliable. By "reliable," we mean it should pass tests where it fires thousands of rounds without cleaning and be able to shoot two magazines without malfunction.
Pistol Ammo:
Your chosen carry ammunition should be of high quality, brass-cased, and manufactured by a reputable company. You typically need to test it with a full magazine to ensure it functions properly in your gun.
Holster:
The quality of your holster largely depends on your personal preference. It's recommended to opt for an Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster that facilitates one-handed reholstering and can be worn between the 12 and 4 o'clock positions on your waistline (or the respective opposite side for left-handed individuals). Your holster should securely hold your gun without causing discomfort or abrasions, although it won't be the most comfortable option since it's hidden inside your waistband. This may mean sacrificing some "sexy" dressing for the sake of concealed carry.
Extra Magazines:
Carrying one spare magazine is advisable, primarily as a means to address potential malfunctions with your firearm, not just for additional ammunition. A pocket magazine pouch is an excellent choice as it orients the magazine correctly for drawing.
Belt:
Your belt should be specifically designed for carrying a firearm, as standard department store belts won't suffice. While various materials are available, leather is often the most comfortable choice.
Knives:
It's recommended to carry two knives: a folding pocket knife for everyday tasks and a small, sharp fixed blade for self-defense purposes. Ideally, your self-defense knife should match a trainer knife for training.
EDC Lights:
Carry two lights: a small, low-output one for daily tasks like finding your keys and another for self-defense purposes. Your self-defense light should use replaceable batteries, and it's crucial to consider battery life as you would with your gun's magazine. Using your self-defense light for daily tasks can deplete its battery, potentially leaving you with less power when you need it most in an emergency.
Keep your head down and keep the faith,
Reno