Effective concealed carry can be significantly improved with well-designed cover garments such as 5.11 Tactical’s Performance Covert Shirts. Available in a variety of colors, these stylish and very comfortable short-sleeve, button-up shirts are ideal for warm weather and easily conceal your firearm. The 5.11 Performance Covert Shirt features the RAPIDraw placket, a revolutionary design in concealed carry garment design that grants immediate access to a shouldered sidearm. Sewn-on faux buttons conceal breakaway snaps that open instantly, maximizing your response time in urgent situations. (http://www.511tactical.com; 866-451-1726)
Nothing is more important to safe and secure concealed carry than a good quality and comfortable holster. Here CrossBreed Holsters succeeds on both counts and has added the new Freedom Carry IWB Holster to its line. This holster features the same great fit and full leather backing as the rest of the line as well as the tuckable feature that makes it extremely concealable, but instead of two belt clips it uses one. This reduces the overall size of the holster, allowing for greater versatility in methods of carry, such as appendix carry or cross-draw. The single belt clip is also cant adjustable. (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com; 888-732-5011)
Magpul, which already manufactures outstanding firearm accessories, now has a full line of tactical and work gloves. The Magpul Core Technical Gloves are ideal for concealed carry and are the most lightweight the company offers. They feature excellent abrasion protection while sacrificing nothing in terms of manual dexterity. The synthetic construction also allows for the use of touch screens on electronic devices and the narrow trigger finger allows for better weapon control. The thumb is backed in terrycloth to help clean optics as needed. And the elastic wrist closure allows for easy on and off while keeping out any debris. (http://www.magpul.com; 877-462-4785)
Even the best holster is only as good as the belt to which it is attached, and there is no substitute for a good quality gun belt. Magpul offers several styles including its new Magpul Tejas Gun Belt (a.k.a. El Original) in commemoration of its recent move to that state. This 1.5-inch, bullhide belt is reinforced with a polymer insert for strength and stability that will not sag. The buckle can be removed and replaced for a custom look as well. (http://www.magpul.com; 877-462-4785)
The man or woman who does not carry spare ammo is either overly confident in their abilities or under-prepared, most likely both. If you are already going to the trouble of carrying a concealed handgun, adding a spare magazine is among the easiest and best things you can do. One great source for spare magazines is MEC-GAR, which manufactures some of the highest quality handgun magazines available. These precision-made, drop -ree magazines are made from either carbon or stainless steel that is then heat-treated and blued. These spare magazines are available for over 200 models of pistols. (http://shop.mec-gar.com; 860-635-1525)
One of the most important items to always have with you is a decent flashlight. The LA Police Gear Operator L1 flashlight is small and light enough to fit on your belt or in a pocket or bag, and it produces a blinding 800 lumens. If you don’t need that much light, the L1 can be twist adjusted for medium and low outputs as well as a disorienting strobe setting. This has the added benefit of extending the battery life to 70 hours on the low mode. The flashlight has a clip on the side for convenience and includes two CR123 batteries as well as a belt holster. (http://www.lapolicegear.com; 866-793-1911)
The new R4E Optimized Duty Sights from the MAKO Group were specifically designed by former spec-ops veterans to provide super-fast target acquisition. The sights have five distinct aiming elements. The rear sight has a center vertical post flanked by two horizontal lines. The front sight has a center dot above a vertical post. The combination of vertical and horizontal lines drives the eye toward the center dot, making sight alignment more intuitive and faster. Night sights are a good idea on any defensive pistol and can make all the difference in low-light situations. The R4E is currently available for all Glock autopistols.
Three new concealed-carry holsters from Clinger Holsters offer value-conscious consumers more options for improved comfort and concealment. All three holsters feature an IWB design, Kydex construction and adjustable retention. The Atom Holster is ambidextrous, with a reversible over-the-triggerguard clip, as well as tuckable with an adjustable ride height. The Stingray holster uses a single wide clip mounted close to the grip and features a full sweat shield to protect the gun and minimize its already small footprint. The No-Print Wonder holster uses a dual-clip system to bring the gun in close to the body. It is also cant and height adjustable with a full sweat shield. (http://www.clingerholsters.com; 479-650-0379)
A serious gun belt is not something to be taken lightly, as it will contribute to stable weapon retention and keep your holster on your belt when you draw. The new Bigfoot Gun Belts promise zero sag at all for a rock-steady mount. The belt features a stainless spring-steel core stitched inside two layers of premium, drum-dyed English bridle leather using military-grade polyester thread. The 1.5-inch-wide belt is available in black or brown and is hand finished. The nickel-plated buckle features a roller to protect the leather finish and is replaceable using the corrosion-resistant metal belt snaps. Best of all, you get seven days to try it out and return it for any reason. (http://www.gunbelts.com; 208-209-7321)
You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always have a knife on you. The LA Police Gear Rescue EDC Folding Knife is a versatile piece of equipment that features a seat belt cutter and glass breaker for emergency use. The 3.25-inch, liner-lock blade has a tanto-style shape. It has ambidextrous assisted finger or thumb opening, a low-profile pocket clip, a matte gun metal finish and G10 scales. I use mine on practically a daily basis and find it indispensable. A partially serrated option is available. (http://www.lapolicegear.com; 866-793-1911)
The new Defense Solutions Group (DSG) Compact Discreet Carry (CDC) holster features a flat Kydex design with a wide easy-on/easy-off belt-clip system with positive retention for belts up to 1.5 inches. This IWB holster is designed for comfort with its smooth texture and a small footprint. An adjustable cant allows for multiple belt placement options. The DSG CDC holster also features adjustable retention for your firearm and a sight channel to guarantee a smooth draw. A sweat guard for the slide protects the gun and the wearer’s body while providing improved carry comfort and full access to the firearm’s grip. (http://www.dsgarms.com; 800-382-7571)
Ideally your kit has no weak links, but one I have found most often is in holster belt clips that are either loose, ill fitting, don’t keep the holster on the belt or break. The Ulticlip aims to fix this problem once and for all. This spring steel belt clip simply replaces the belt clips on your current holster and attaches to your belt using a small metal clamp system. The advantages here are twofold. First, the exposed portion of the clip is much smaller, which significantly improves concealment. Second, the clamp is incredibly strong and your holster will absolutely stay where you put it. Your pants will come off before your holster does. (http://www.ulticlip.com; 239-400-2547)
An everyday-carry firearm often benefits from adding some kind of accessory, and there are plenty to choose from today. The reality is that firearms accessories aren’t just for looks, they specifically make you better able to defend yourself and carry concealed. Scroll through the gallery above to check out a collection of must-have items for the prepared concealed carrier.
