Personal opinion, I think a solid belt is as important as a good holster. They go together like shoes and socks haha. Thanks for the great content as always!
@@rangerdanger10 Kore belts are always a good choice, but there are several brands out there that do a good job of supporting your firearm without bending or warping.
I think solid belts work for some body types and how the pants fit and how many layers you have on. Im inbetween sizes and some pants fit a little snug. My thinner belt works better in those cases bcus solid belts can be pretty bulky and scream "look at my waistline" when wearing light clothing. I have a kore belt and only use it with jackets or hoodies
@@rangerdanger10 it depends on style. I have been using one from Beltman for almost a decade. It's a great reinforced leather option but there are plenty of companies out there. I've also started using a strap type from groove, tho I'm finding it's a little thin for the clip on my holsters. The main quality to seek out is that it supports your gun/holster and keeps it where you want it without having to cinch it to the point of being uncomfortable. As with most personal items, you have to find what works best for your body type and carry position.
@@MonstaFreak13 very true. I should have picked a more descriptive word than solid. I didn't intend for it to mean thick, but rather non-flimsy. Basically, don't buy a cheap $20 belt that can fold in any direction. The belt should keep the gun and holster where you want it without having to cinch it down to achieve the desired result.
For newer shooters and newer folks going to the CCW lifestyle, these tips are invaluable. I’m glad you’re sharing them with the community and I hope more folks see this vid.
@@banshee1322 if you are new to shooting, try out multiple pistols at a range to find one that feels right on your body and you can fire well. Could be a S&W, Sig, Glock, HK, Ruger, Kimber, Springfield, Walther or whatever. This is a great channel to find honest reviews on those pistols that you like. Oh…. and train!
I grew up hunting with my dad in the 70’s. Haven’t considered carrying a firearm in decades but that has changed. These videos are gold and provide so much valuable awareness that not only helps me in a selection process, but the entirety of the process/system of executing all of this as flawlessly as possible.
@@ssaafur dont get what you think is the coolest, get something you think you can reasonably carry a lot. a great gun is no good when you dont have it with you 👍👍 check out the springfield hellcat, very carry-able and high capacity, also optics ready (which is good if you want to drop another 250 on an optic, make sure its a good one too). good luck
A lot of people don't realize that between ammunition, holsters, belts, spare mags, spare mag holsters, etc.; you will spend a lot more on those accessories than you did on the gun. Great video, thanks for the info.
Yeah and it ticks you off when a state gov outlaws any ccw that carries 15+. Rnds. I just got the wife an hk bpn due to her long fingers need a larger grip. Got the optic, plate, good holster and $1000 in Jelly bean pritzker bans them overnight.
Thanks. I'm 72 and lived in Alaska most of my life, flying my plane into remote (bush) territory. There, self-defense concerns were from wildlife, not humans. There, I was proficient with my Ruger 44 Blackhawk and Mossberg 500 12 guage. I'm retired now and have moved to the lower 48, where snow and ice are rather rare and the firearms of my youth are not practical. Here, 'humans' are the threat to my health and existence. I see incredible levels of hostility at drivers, in parking lots, at checkout lines, etc. Alaskans are not used to this. At my age, I'm no longer capable of physically defending myself, nor can I flee. So, the logical option is to earn a concealed carry permit, and learn self defense techniques using the appropriate weapons. I've completed the first objective, and my instructor has accepted me as a student for the next phase, learning how to carry and how to draw. It's a sad state of affairs that such things exist. It's even worse that certain people and politicians want to deny me the right to defend myself. It's clear that these people have never had to defend themselves from beast nor from their fellow 'man'.
PLEASE do more concealed carry videos! Great stuff. I'm in my first year of concealed carry (G43X) and this stuff is all spot on from my own trial and error.
I have told many people of the reality that you will go through several holsters until you find the correct one for you. Some don’t want to believe it because “X” RU-vidr they liked stated how this holster is the best. But then the person goes through 3-5 more until they find the correct one for them. Almost as important is a good solid belt, I always recommend Kore Track line. Good solid belt makes carrying so much easier and more comfortable.
Hey. I'm looking at getting the 43x or 48. For EDC but I kinda came to the conclusion that, I'd rather have a 43x shorter barrel and literally be comfy with EDC than have a G48 looks great feels great shoot great but when EDC u wish u had a shorter barrel. In my very unprofessional opinion , the G43x wod probly be my best bet hey. And rather buy whatever u want as a 2nd firearm . Hows ur experience for EDC with your G43x? Also is the snappy part when firing a concern or just a minor?
@@lubrew5862 Indeed! I got a Kore belt and absolutely love it. Currently running two holsters - T-Rex Side Car and Raven Concealment Vanguard 2 for a super minimalist setup because I live in Florida and it's hot...I like them both but want to try something in between next, such as a standard Kydex holster by itself without extra mag attachment.
@@rudigarschoonraad5333 Good question, I'm no handgun expert, so take what I say with a grain of salt. That being said, I heavily researched all the best options before I got my 43X and I think I made the best possible decision. My only regret is not getting the MOS. I also got it for super cheap ($380 new) from a blue label deal for being active military. I've never shot a 48, but compared to a full sized 9mm, I don't think the difference is night and day. I find the gun very easy to shoot. I think a lot of this has to do with the full grip. In my opinion, a full grip trumps slide length all day long. Again - I'm not the best with handguns lol. For concealment considerations, 43X is perfect for me. It's light, super thin, and gives me very little printing issues. I live in Florida, so I'm often wearing shorts and a t-shirt with my gun...I use a good belt (Kore) and a minimalist holster (Raven Concealment Vanguard 2) when I'm in light clothing, or a T-Rex Sidecar holster with extra mag when I have a little more fabric on, but you the sidecar works fine with t-shirts too. Lastly, there's the debate over the Shield 15rd mags...I'm currently testing them and have had no issues so far. They can be a huge upgrade to the gun, but use at your own risk and do your own testing if you get a 43X because other people have had bad experiences with them. Hope this helps. Cheers!
@@nathanhaney91 hey, thanks so much for the great feedback. Highly appreciated. I too have done alot of research and it seems the G43x is just the perfect EDC. It's so to speak the EDC everyone has been waiting for. Take nothing away from the G48, but again for EDC the tad bit shorter slide wil make the EDC a pleasure. Which means the goal for EDC has been achieved. It ticks 99% of the boxes. The 1% being it probly mite be a tad bit snappy. Buy again u don't buy a gun to just carry. U must go to shooting range use it, get use to it , know how it handles etc. Practice makes perfect, Im sure that's the case with every gun. Again iv watched tons and tons of RU-vid videos. And it's a fact, the G43x is a perfect and ultimate choice in EDC. All the gun shops I was in they all said G19 gen 3 for self defense- in conversation, I've also fired the G17 and the G19 same day. , however after that they all showed me the G43x and G48 ( I have not fired any of the 2 as yet) Now I've got small hands. And those G48 and G43x fits my hand like it was made for me. I can feel I have full control and full grip and like they always say, buy what fits ur hand. The other glocks just feel a bit to big for my hand and I'm a bit paranoid with it. Again G43x perfect size and perfect for EDC in a million different ways. I think ppl look at that gun and compare it to bigger guns. Which is wrong. It must be tried and tested on its own merit for what it was designed for. With regards to the shield mags with 15 capacity. FACT: if u going to use metal mags change ur mag release to metal if u stick with original polymer mags then kp ur original plastic mag release. Saw lots of videos where they show the mags become a tad bit " sticky" to pop out. If u don't wana change mag release then mayb just use the shield mags at a range. But they say the metal mags wears the plastic mag release out. Thanks again for your feedback. Here in South africa the G43x cost R12 500 which is $737.13 In your money. U got urs for a steal yes. Lol
Vast majority of advice here is sound and I can wholeheartedly agree with. The practicing of drawing and firing is more difficult for those of us who don’t have their own range of frequent access to tactical ranges because we’re not RU-vid content creators. Typically local ranges have “1-shot per second” and “no drawing from holster to fire” as well as “you can only use FMJ at our range” type rules. Between dry fire practice at home and static-only shooting at local ranges… there’s a huge gap. Easy to tell people they should practice all that when you seem to have the facilities to do so. But everything else was spot on practical advice.
I’m fairly certain that you can shoot in ANY National Forest. At least I know here in Washington state, and in Alabama, you can legally shoot in any National Forest. Not National Park, National Forest. There are rules, like you can’t shoot near roads, rivers, etc. but it’s Federal land, so the state you’re in shouldn’t matter. If you really want to practice, look up the rules, go take a weekend, drive deep into some national forest, go camping for the weekend, and practice all those things you can’t practice.
I carried Hornady critical duty in my shield 9 for years without ever testing it. Decided to test it one day and had 2 jams in the first mag. I had never had a single jam before this. Like you said, please test the ammo you carry. Great video
@@HerbertHopkins799 I said for years, not 9 years. Yes I shot the gun a ton and the ammo was not in the mag the entire time. I’d swap the ammo out whenever I went target shooting. I know critical duty is good ammo, my gun just didn’t like it for whatever reason. And yes I clean the gun regularly
MALFUNCTIONS! This goes to show I’m not yet an experienced shooter because the thought of carrying my Sidecar holster with an extra mag to assist in clearing a malfunction never even crossed my mind as opposed to just having more rounds…. Great info
Unless you shoot a whole lot you wont run into a ton of malfuctions. Beibg in tye military, using their crappy mags and ammo ya get plenty😂. First time i had malfuctions on a pistol was shooting my XDS .45 with off brand mags cause for some reason mags cost 50 bucks a piece (which is CRAZY) threw them away and since i dont shoot it much and carry a sig 365 now im not worried about it and bough 1 extra mag for the sig (from sig)😂. I did do alot of research about the 365 and bought ammunition that was least likey to malfuction, but it seems to like about any brand or load long as its a brass casing.
Yes, more videos like this one are good for all of us. Experienced or Newbies, information gives us more options in regard to what and how we carry and train. So Keep The Advice Coming! And perhaps Mrs. Outlaw can chime in on carry advice for the ladies too.
Thanks, Chris! I'm an old guy, but I try to keep learning as I adapt to all of the disabilities that come as a part of aging. I'm not new to concealed carry and I was aware of the points that you made for people who are just beginning. On the other hand, it helps to be reminded of them and reconsider them. I"ve had to "relearn" everything!
The overall philosophy of “System” combined with training and a lot of practice rounds to vet the handgun, as well as placement options was excellent advice. I would add to the grappling scenario, that carrying a concealed, short, fixed blade knife (ex: karambit or push blade) oriented for the non-dominant hand access, provides options in the grappling situation tying up the dominant hand which will never require a reload concern. 😎
I went through several holsters until I found one I liked and my wife went through 4 different guns (she settled on the P365 .380). I like these videos, I've been through most of this stuff at some point but it's always good to have a refresher from time to time. We're in our mid 60's but honestly, I feel like maybe 40 most of the time and we both love to shoot.
@@wood-wheel-wizard I have a whole drawer full of holsters from 20+ years of carrying. Job changes, weight gain, weight loss, injury, and honestly just trial and error contribute to that drawer. What is wonderful for some just doesn't work for others. Most people I know who have consistently carried for a while have that same drawer.LOL
Got .380 is so fucking annoying. If you can shoot .380 you can shoot 9. End of discussion. I’ve been training people for years and how people settle on .380 well never cease to amaze me.
@@carryeveryday910 .380 in a gun the same size as a 9mm is a bit silly as I agree that both are about equal in shootability. At work i carry a .380 LCP Max in my pocket DeSantis though as i have yet to find anything in 9mm that hides on me as well as the LCP does. The P365 got close but is still a bit big for pocket carry, and as i spend the majority of my work day at a desk, I'm not putting one in my waistband. The LCP I almost forget i have sometimes.
Absolutely love your videos man. You present really solid reviews and advice, and make it clear that you know what you're talking about without being a condescending douche about it. There are so many RU-vid gun channels that come with a side of superiority and condescension, where yours is always very down to earth, while being thoughtful in your advice and tactics, just without the smugness. Def my favorite firearms channel. Thanks for the awesome content!!
You have some awesome tips. I was a deputy and practiced all the time, both in the house dry firing and on the range. I still practice like this though I am over 70. One thing we were taught was to keep our pistol aimed at the perpetrator, drop the magazine and reload while keeping the pistol in the firing position. I was taught by police officer that had been in seven fire fights and lived. I also survived some similar situations. I never fired all of my rounds and practiced leaving a couple rounds in and retaining a magazine for later. I did compete, but I was never the fastest, but was usually the most accurate and used cover to my advantage. This also proved essential on one occasion when someone shot at me and hit the tree I was crouching behind instead. I wear gloves all the time shooting, summer and winter. When on winter patrol, you do not get out on a cold night without gloves. It was so hard to teach other deputies the importance of practicing with gloves and in the winter like you do. Keep up the good work and reviews
On that note, wearing gloves that work with your pistol is huge. The trigger well is only so big and controls on the gun can be more difficult to operate with different gloves.
Seven fire fights as a police officer? Pew research states that only 27% of police officers ever fire their firearm during their entire career. I'm guessing that your police officer put on his exaggeration pants that day.
@@mcouture8169 Well I guess I am not part of the 27% either because I have been in two and was wounded both times. I believe the police officer since he worked in one of the highest crime cities in the US, Saginaw Michigan. Maybe you are a LEO and thank God you have never been in a fight, but that is lucky for you.
Great video! As a small slim woman, it took time for me to find what worked for me in almost all circumstances. Belt AND holster need to work together. So Vedder holster and their V3 gun belt work very well for me with my shield.
I love your common speak to folks just starting out. I've been supporting you in the Gundies every day. Very few channels give the everyday guy plain, concise instructions and tips. Keep it going.
Dude thank you for this video. Short, and direct no extra talking. Less words work. Lol awesome video, I’ve been carrying for about 2 years now and it’s nice to touch up on these things.
If you’re bigger, crossdraw is a good solution. Two advantages, you don’t have to reach to your back hip if you usually carry in 3 or 4 o’clock position, and crossdraw is much more efficient in a car, especially if you’re right handed.
Another great vid. My wife and I just recently got our cpl and there is definitely a lot to learn. Thinking of the gun, ammo, and holster as a system is the best take I've heard. Thanks
I'm not going to lie. While watching this video, I sorta kept saying "well duh". And at the end, I started actually thinking about the new people to the gun world. So I'm glad you put this out. I probably wouldn't have known a lot of this 10 years ago. And I sometimes like to carry a bigger gun just because I can as well, like my 1911 10mm
I like this video as a newbie! It was also great to get your point of view on certain aspects of carrying such as carrying an extra magazine for malfunctions. Definitely made me reconsider carrying an extra mag.
I would add only practicing at a range (most ranges don't allow drawing from a holster). Live fire practice is a must, but you should also drill at getting the gun out of the holster. Things can happen quickly in a defensive situation and you don't want to be struggling to deploy your gun or worse, have a negligent discharge. Use snap caps or dry fire and practice draws at home!
My #1 gripe about indoor ranges is this rule, especially in constitutional carry states. Gun ranges need to stay in touch with the state they live in otherwise they'll lose customers.
@@dillonc7955 this rule makes more sense in a constitutional carry state. Someone having zero experience buying a gun and then trying to practice holster draws is asking for a negligent discharge. Saying it's their responsibility to know what they're doing isn't going to matter to the person in the lane next to them. I was lucky enough to be at a range with ballistic partitions when someone's first time shooting resulted in a ND right at me, seeing the plastic spray off next to me and the kevlar bulging out left me rattled for hours.
Great video as always. I have gone through many different setups to find the right system for me: Vedder Kydex on A Core belt, 4 o'clock position and a CZ 75 D Compact PCR with the Cajun trigger package. Put some Dawson sights on it as well. Never leave home without it, but I also hope I'll never need to use it. As some of the posters have mentioned, situational awareness is key. Stay safe everyone.
In the beginning (some 20 years ago) I carried at 6 o’clock due to the fact that I was so slim (I used to race bicycle). After a life changing spinal injury that left me disabled, I gained weight and my carry position went to 3-4 o’clock, much much better in draw time and efficiency. Lately I have been trying more ab position. As someone who trained in traditional Korean tai, Akito and kempo I should have never carried at 6 but imprint was a issue! My wife and daughters carry purse and I am trying to get them to carry on person. I will share this video with them. Sometimes it takes hearing it from someone else to get the point across. Again, thank you for your knowledge and expertise! Be blessed and as always, stay safe. ⚓️
Well when it comes to gun improvements,, you need to recommend this because it has completely changed my p365 XL to a tight shooting machine. The DPM recoil spring kit not only reduces recoil, but it also reduces recoil failures to load caused by the crappy plastic rod that comes with the original gun. Next to that, put in a M-Carbo spring kit and the p365 becomes a precision beast for a concealment carry weapon.
I resisted appendix carry for a long time, I just couldn’t get comfortable. My concern with pocket carry was getting hung up on the draw. So I bought new pants A size larger and a bigger belt, even shirts the next size up so as not Print. I’m finally getting used to it and I’m glad I didn’t give up on that 12 o’clock position.
I have three Vedder pocket lockers (kydex) for a Glock 26, Ruger lcp max, and snubbie. They work great and allow you to start the gun out of the holster while still in the pocket. I also use a Galco sticky if my pants have smaller pockets. My addition to this list would be “Not carrying pepper spray.” I am a lawyer and I have seen people defend themselves in a completely justified way and still have their lives ruined. Avoid the fight if you can.
We also need some videos on what to do after drawing BESIDES shooting. We all teach how to draw safely, quickly and accurately to be able to place rounds on target, but if we train to fire every time then some may shoot when they definitely shouldn’t. Drawing can stop a threat in its tracks but people need to know how to use their voice inflection, speak loud & clear commands and potentially stop a crime without having to pull a trigger. Advice like staying back from the subject and NOT holding a gun right on someone’s head etc. Always be ready to go, definitely not suggesting otherwise, but hopefully I’m making my point. I’m an NRA instructor and combat vet and this has bothered me for some time so hopefully you can put together a video about that subject. We fight how we train. Thanks!
Retired police firearms and tactics instructor. A few things: I'm 6'3" and 220lbs. I have concealed-carried a Glock 22 for more than 20 years and have never been called-out; and that's even with me walking past the ridiculous "No Firearms" stickers on the doors of hospitals, public buildings and schools. Appropriately-sized overgarments facilitate this. I wear 2XL button-up shirts (I prefer 5/11s, but that's just a holdover from the old job) over a tee. Maybe doesn't cut the fashionable figure, but it does conceal my carry. I carry my weapon in the 3:00 in a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster, as it provides good retention with the ease of draw when I need it. I also carry two spare magazines in an open-top paddle carrier in the 9:00 position. I never want to run out of ammo. (A gun-store employee once admonished me for the open-top feature, saying "if you go upside-down your magazines will fall out", to which I replied: "If I end-up upside-down I've got bigger problems than losing a magazine") Regarding accessories like lights: My agency was using the G-23 as its primary sidearm and the tactical team adopted white-lights and red-dots for their kit. After a few range days we had not one, but two failures of the barrel locking-lug. The lugs broke-off at the junction with the barrel. A Glock field rep came down to examine our guns and determined that, since we were using 155gr. GDHP we were overcharging the guns "WITH THE FLASHLIGHTS MOUNTED" Turns out that any accessory you hang on the front of a Glock pulls against the "Dust Cover" and removes a certain amount of friction from the slide as it recoils. That allows the slide to slam to the stops and induces undue stress to the locking lug of the barrel, causing the failures. The Glock rep advised us to go to 165gr or 180gr ammo to avoid the issue. As we wanted to carry the .40 with the most muzzle-energy available, we instead adopted the G-22, which has a slide heavy enough to take the extra abuse. To my knowledge, there have been no lug-failures since.........................
Welcome to the greatest family in the world. The 2A community is like one big brotherhood of like-minded people (ladies included) who watch out for each other and protect those they love
I've watched you tube gun videos for a long time. I enjoy military arms channel, Hickok 45, and the occasional jackassery of demolition ranch, and a few not mentioned. You and your wife are by far my favorite. When watching, it's one of the most honest and least shill channels I view, and on top of that your wife has been an amazing help with directing me to what would work for the women in my life. I appreciate you tons.
I know a lot of people don't like them for whatever reason, but I really love my versacarry holster. It's got the padding on the backside and comes up to cover the rear of the slide. Super comfortable and the adjustable retention is sweet to have.
when you say padding on the back, do you mean one of their hybrid holsters? because i just got an alien gear IWB hybrid for a g3c and i understand why people don't like them. retention is inherently less consistent, it's bulkier, and i can just barely hook the trigger with my finger. granted, not enough to trip the trigger safety and pull it, but that might change with time.
I have both the versacarry and the alien. I prefer the versacarry over the alien, but not really a fan of both. I feel they are bulky. I carry appendix and like to conceal as much possible.
Great video. Would add a solid belt to your system components. After training almost 1000 new concealed carry students last year, terrible belts are a real issue with new CCW shooters
Dude. Long time CCW here. Just found your channel. Really great stuff. You put your details together quickly, accurately and in an entertaining fashion. New stuff to me, and reminders. Adding more defensive components just from your comment ‘a gun fight is still a fight’. Keep up the great work.
Love everything about your video's. Clear, concise, down to earth, great personality. Would love to see Mrs. Outlaw do vids for the ladies and share her experiences and tips also.
Yessss ... I know he said its better to carry on the body versus in a purse... but for women with lots of curves, its nearly impossible to draw from anywhere on the waist/appendix without slamming your gun up into your breast on the way up, unless you carry/draw on an outward angle. Literally the only comfortable holster is a legit drop-leg, which isnt quite “concealed”. It would be nice to see a woman address this & discuss alternatives, like purse options/basics.
Omg! I was coming to the comments to talk about having his wife do a video about CC. I too have curves including a mommy pouch and C-section incision scar that makes appendix carry impossible. I’ve tried. I usually carry at 6 o’clock, which is the position that he says is the worse. I only put my gun in my CC purse when I’m at the doctor/chiro/massage/acupuncture where I can’t have it on me for a limited time. I usually bring my holster to put on after my appointment.
Learning what's best is super important. I'm happy so many people are exercising their rights. But never get complacent, you can always learn more. You can always get better. And always work on situational awareness. 🇺🇸 this was a great video and I'm glad he put it out. Especially with the community growing the way it is. No matter how much I train I can always learn more and improve. I've become very interested in new ways to train and new courses. Someone once said to me that I should leave that to the professionals. With that I said do you know how much most so called " professionals " actually train and are required to train in order to certify? In most cases I think people would be surprised. YOU are your own first responder.
Great video. Even though I’ve carried for a while and am comfortable carrying it’s always a good idea to listen to someone personal opinion because you might learn something you’ve never thought of. Also, you might be reminded something you’ve forgotten about.
Wow, my son and I watched this together and we really enjoyed it. Very useful information. I love the fact that you get to the point and don't fuck around. Thank you for pointing out all of the useful points, And I love the fact that there is no filter in your review. Straight and to the point. Thanks again Sir.
I made a mistake of getting my Wife a G42 because I thought it would be easier for her to handle. She had an EZ 380, but the grip handle and safety in the back strap was awkward for her as well. I gave up and just handed her my 43X. She still has a little bit of trouble racking the slide, but I added some Talon grips to the slide to help her plus a lighter recoil guide rod for it. It has helped her tremendously plus I also figured I’d add an extended firing pin just in case of a light strike. Firing pin spring was not changed and so for 600+ rounds and no issues. She will get stove pipes every now and then, but I feel it’s due to her grip and hand strength she has. She wants to off body carry, but I am so against it since I am afraid someone can snatch the purse easily.
First off, great video. I love more info for new CCWs. One thing I’d like to add in your weapon modification point is that in some cases it does actually help reliability. My case in point is older flicks with plastic guide rods mainly. But I personally carry an M&P shield 45 PC and the original guide rod had the spring pop off while taking it apart to clean one day. I was able to get a replacement from S&W quickly but I don’t trust it. I switched to a stainless steel guide rod and spring from online and I’d put it in every gun I carry. They aren’t expensive ($50 and under) and keep stock spring weight so it should shoot very close to stock but adds reliability to your guide rod. Other than that I haven’t changed anything and don’t plan too.
My first gun was a Glock 27, real snappy, I'm glad for it, it's taught me to hold a bead and how to handle recoil while also learning proper hand/grip placement
I'd like to add a couple of things personally, as Ex-MIL/LEO, with a beer gut. 1. NO BLING! Chrome and gold reflect light and stand out. In low light, it could give away your position. Also, glare could affect your accuracy. Always go for flat earth tone colors. I prefer black. 2, Your holster should be the same color as your gun. When you flash the steel, it's easy to see the shape of a black gun on a tan paddle. Black on black doesn't show up as well and obscures the shape of the firearm momentarily. 3. BEER GUT. I carry at 4 o'clock for various reasons, but mainly my gut. The advantage to drawing from 4 is that it's familiar to the position I used to carry while on duty. Secondly, 4 o'clock let's you draw from a hidden position, behind your back, near your wallet. (I also carry a brown wallet for this reason, so cops don't mistake it as a gun) If it's go time and use of force is imminent, I can put up my left hand defensively as a distraction while my right is unholstering my side arm. Lastly, it's easier to hide. Handguns print easily if you carry appendix, IMO. With a t-shirt and lightweight button up (unbuttoned) overshirt, you can rarely see if someone is carrying at 4, even harder to spot in jacket and coat weather. Thanks for reading.
Thx for the comment. As former MIL/LEO, can u comment on .22 and .380 caliber? Did you see a lot of crimes committed with those calibers? Did u see more homicides with a 9mm or those smaller calibers? I’ve always argued that, IMO, the .22 is THE ideal EDC caliber. Esp the .22 magnum It’s very lightweight, plenty of round, zero kick and it’s shown to be a very effective and deadly round. If your goal is to STOP the threat, a .22 will do that. If you happen to KILL the threat, we’ll, that’s a bonus but stopping them is primary. Think about this: as a cop, I bet you will agree that u maybe got 3 bullets out of 10 with a mag dump right? You could literally draw down on a perp with a .22 and shoot every round to the head bc it doesn’t kick and u will absolutely kill them. Thoughts?
This is how I carry as well and it works good for me..4oclock... outside my pants under a t-shirt.. my gut is a little big to carry in the front... I also don't like the gun pointed at my thighs or private parts. 👍
@@texastoast5202 I personally wouldn't trust a rim fire in a life or death situation. 380 is as small as I'll carry and generally that's only in summer.
@@texastoast5202 I wouldn't try anything less than 22TCm 40 grain at 2100 fps/5.7 is almost as good. (That works out to about 400ft lbs of energy) I think 380 will do... but 9mm is better fwiw. The problem with most 22 is it will not stun/stop a perp in action if they are really serious. It will scare them, it will make them bleed out eventually but it isn't gonna knock them back at all. Many wont know their shot unless they see the blood. Just my opinion.
@@blueheelerfriend8450 Yeah. It's a good way to Tex Grebner yourself in the junk. In the words of Jeff Cooper, "Never point a gun at anything you aren't willing to destroy."
Great video brother. Another recommendation. If you carry at 2, 3, or 4 O'Clock also carry an edged weapon appendix weak side. I carry a 3" fixed on a static line sheath in addition to my strong side front pocket Emerson folder. Better to have and not need etc.
I strongly concur. It is an absolute must to have a secondary weapon system outside of a firearm. And it is even more imperative to have support hand access to a secondary weapon. There are myriad reasons why the dominant hand could be out of play, injured, or otherwise occupied in a close quarters fight. Having something useful in your non-dominant hand may mean the difference in the outcome.
I am waiting for my card-already approved, PURCHASE Springfield XDE AND MAX pro, and Ruger LC MAX….can’t wait to pick up. This channel has been my go to…..
The Glock 26 for me is the perfect size for summertime carry. Small enough to still be comfortable, but I shoot hit better than the P365 or any other micro 9mm.
Same for me…except it’s the MP 2.0 Subcompact. I have a Shield Plus with 1800 rounds through it but I recently got the Subcompact and shoot it way better right off the bat.
@@cashmoney9256 I think the M&P version is probably just as good as the G26, but I definitely prefer a subcompact. I’m shoot it better and I’m more confident with it.
Good info - I normally carry at a high 3:30 - 4:00 position. If I'm going somewhere where I may be seated for a long period (i.e. sporting event, theater, driving 90+ minutes) and may have to draw from a seated position, I'll go with a shoulder holster. As others have noted, a good belt is every bit as important as the holster itself.
Great video. I have carried a full frame on back country outings for years and wanted to get a good cc pistol. Finally got one, a glock 43x. So now I’m working on holster types and carry positions. This video was very helpful. Thanks
One the aspects of self defense, if not the most important, is situational awareness. Look to see who is near you who could pose a threat. Look people in the eye to let them know that you are aware of them, especially if they appear to be studying/sizing you up. This is especially important if you have cash money in a public setting such as a retail store or leaving a bank or especially ATM machine which are generally used to withdraw cash money, and while pushing it buttons, continuously look around for anyone near by. If you feel uncomfortable by the presence of someone who could pose a threat, try to make easy access to whatever weapon you carry for self defense. It could be a firearm, a knife, a collapsible baton, or pepper spray. I had to learn the hard way when back in 1987 I was stabbed in my right eye by a homeless man which caused a serious degradation of my eye. I simply let my guard down. Not long after my medical recovery I took self defense classes. But every since that ill fated day, my head is on a swivel assessing everyone who could pose a potential threat to me.
Thanks Pete, you are right. I try to practice situation awareness every day. I am an old, retired prison guard, so I am a little paranoid anyway. Sometimes we become lax however and need to be reminded. Glad you survived the attack and are obviously doing well.
One thing Chris forgot to mention is shoulder harness carrying. Its not for everybody but I am so glad I found it. It only works when you can wear 2 shirts, well in my case. So its not a hot weather setup. But 6 months of the year, for me, its the most comfortable, and one of the fastest for me to draw. A good leather shoulder rig is awesome. Many indoor ranges wont allow them because of where the muzzle is pointed however. There is a reason pros carry this way tho. Just 1 more to think about. Summertime its back to appendix carry, but its better when its cooler out and I go back to shoulder harness in leather. Also 1 or 2 mags under the opposite arm upside down ready to go is a great balance for many shoulder rigs.
I don't really understand why anyone would carry in a shoulder rig. I've owned a Galco rig for close to 25 years and maybe used it 3 times. These days, if I can't find a better way to carry than a shoulder rig, I stay home.
I'm curious what "pros" you are talking about with carrying in shoulder rigs, because it is generally accepted now that shoulder rigs are one of the most unsafe and slow methods.
@@Kattbirb Same. Being 6'4" tall I can pretty easily carry full sized handguns and I prefer that as a full sized grip enables better control IMO. These micro guns that I can't get all my firearms around are types I avoid.
I mostly carry 2, 3 or 4 o' clock cause bjj also look into these horizontal cross draw holsters it's it's in the position with the slide perpendicular to your waistband and the grip of the weapon almost in your lap just waiting for your right hand to grab it it's a lot more natural than having to sit up and squeeze your hand in between your waist in the center console to get it off your right hip if you're sitting in the driver's seat
Excellent topic and sound advice. One of the reasons I frequently carry my Colt Lightweight Commander is because I can carry what I train with. Any high quality.45 ball ammo will do the trick. I’ve never seen any guy at the range shooting his expensive Sig V-crown or Hornady Critical Defense carry ammo, it’s always some inexpensive “range” ammo. Fact is, high quality carry ammo is expensive. “Shoot what you carry” can be prohibitively expensive for most shooters. I agree with everything you’ve stated. I spend a lot of time thinking about where on my body a particular gun feels right, and think long and hard about IWB or OWB on each gun. For example, after a lot of trial and error, I carry my SP101 in an OWB and cross-body draw. It just feels best there. My 1911 is IWB at 4 o’clock. My PPK is IWB at 2 o’clock.
The worst mistake of carrying is not having your gun, the hardest part is finding a holster that's comfortable. I really hated kydex, and because of that rarely carried until I found the Galco King tuck. It might wear out faster but at least I forget it's on me! Really enjoyed the video, keep it up!!
Yeah... Kydex IWB isn't exactly comfortable. I see guys with a big ol' Kydex holster for their G-19 w/optic and giant light on the rail... with a sidecar mag carrier... and I KNOW that huge hard-shell can't be comfortable shoved on your pants. I get irritated by 1/2 that much Kydex in my pants. Lately I've been more of a leather OWB guy when I can wear a cover garment. Plus, I'm not all that concerned with 'deep concealment'. No one notices if the gun prints a bit anyway, and I'm getting to the point where I care a lot less.
@@frankbergstrom7621 the other saying is the best gun for self defense is the one you have with you. People don't carry as often when they're uncomfortable.
Thanks for covering off body carry. I strongly urge folks to not carry this way as well. Besides the downfalls you mention, people don't believe they could ever just leave it somewhere. It does happen! People leave their purses, daily planners, phones, etc at restaurants or waiting rooms all the time. By the way Chris, I never noticed before, but in your opening montage, the first shot - did the fiber optic actually end up falling out? that looked crazy.
+1 for appendix carry with a stock 43x! I use a Tier1 tactical with spare mag, and I can sit in a car or at dinner for hours without issue (after playing around with the height adjustments for weeks). That's after dozens of other attempts at finding the right combo for me. We all have a big box of holsters that didn't work as well for one reason or another. Most important, practice dry drawing and firing plenty.
I carry a Glock 33 357 Sig in the 4 o'clock position in a Kydex paddle holster. Works great for me. I swapped out the trigger group in the G33 but I only started carrying it after I ran 500+ rounds thru it to make sure it was still reliable after the mods. In Tennessee a gun that won't shoot is called a rock. Great videos.... Thanks...
@@joshuagibson2520 I do occasionally carry a back up in my vest...Chris says it is not a good idea to not carry on body....so I guess I get dinged there
I picked up an Urban Carry Lock Leather holster for my p365 in exchange a “We the People” kydex a few days ago. Leather is pretty heavy duty and retention is good. More comfortable than kydex, but draw is definitely not as clean. Jury is still out if this is “the one.”
I just got a leather Versacarry for $35 on sale over the holidays and I can't imagine how it could ever wear down to the point you could get a finger in the trigger guard but who knows. If it got that bad you'd think you'd notice and just replace it.
Train train train. It can’t be said enough. I’ve seen so many shooters who think they’re ready for anything that don’t even recognize the recoil impulse of a gun that’s empty. You said it perfectly, you should have intimate knowledge of your firearms. Shoot your guns. Clean your guns (beyond a field strip). If you mod a gun, within reason, do it yourself. Great video as always.
One thing I’ve learned to take away from any video online: Do NOT take any advice as absolute. A lot of “slender” guys carry larger pistols and usually carry appendix, but I (5’8” and 120lbs) have found that appendix carry just does not work for me. The way my pelvis/groin area is shaped just isn’t conducive to appendix carry, especially not with a larger gun. So I carry 4 o’clock with a smaller gun. But… position isn’t everything. You can modify holsters and buy holsters with different features (wedges, wings, etc) that will push the weapon into different positions on your body, which may open your availability. All of this is to say, be open minded! Do not be afraid to try something new/different. You may find it works better for you
Great video as always! One thing I learned after a bit is getting a quality belt, was the biggest game changer for me carrying appendix. Got a KORE ratcheting belt and it is, for me, the best carry upgrade I've made, better than my favorite holster, etc. You can quickly and discretely loosen the belt when you want to get in the car, sit down, or have had too much to eat.... and when you get back up just cinch it up and you're good to go again. I don't work for them or anything, but that piece of gear has had the most positive impact on my carry experience in the 2 years I've been carrying.
Great point on carrying an extra mag for malfunctions as opposed to extra capacity. Interested to hear John Correia's answer to that. Not sure what the stats are on malfunctions (for the good guys) in real life self defense situations.
It would be great to get JC's input on this. Though he didn't say "as opposed to extra capacity", but rather he said "also". He just feels that you're more likely to need it for malfunction than the extra rounds. When you shoot as well as he does, that's probably true🤪. Quote below - "I like to have enough capacity, because when in doubt, there never is enough capacity in a gun fight. Seven rounds sounds great until you’re out. I also like to carry a spare magazine just in case I have malfunctions. Most people talk about running out of ammunition, but the likelihood of you needing that magazine is probably due to a malfunction. It’s quicker to change the magazine and get back into the fight than it is to fix the malfunction and put the same magazine that might have caused the malfunction back in. "
John has a bad habit of thinking he is always right. Anyone remember his beef with Paul Harrell where Paul Basically proved him his results were consistent and John had no response but to just say he was wrong again lol?
Preach. Great instructions. One size does not fit all. Hand to hand combat should always factor in regarding where you decide to hold on your body. Awesome video
Great points here. We have ditched the idea of carrying micro 9 pistols. We've tried the S&W Shield 2.0, the Ruger LCP and the Springfield Hellcat. Sold them all. Uncomfortable to train with for any length of time, ergo they won't be the most effective self defense tool should we need one. Great video - keep 'em coming! 👍
Great video brother. This is the first I’ve come across on RU-vid and will be subscribing. I’m an LTC (License to carry) instructor as well as NRA. You make valid points on all topics. Most of all I love that you don’t do the check over both shoulder thing after shooting. That drives me nuts. Keep up the great work. I’ll be incorporating some of these topics in my upcoming classes.
When I got my carry permit in 2020 I was shocked at the price of holsters, belts and a reliable gun. Starting off I used the SCCY with a $20 ebay kydex. I even tried a hybrid and an alien gear. I never did like the SCCY or any of those holsters. First I got the Hellcat because it fit my hand well. After that alot of research on holsters and belts. After a couple years I carry the Hellcat w/15rd mag, Vedder holster w/claw and a Kore Essentials belt in the 3 o'clock position.
I still carry a M&P 9c first generation with an extended 17 round mag. Shoots everything I put thru it, never had a failure. When I need more concealed I like the Shield plus. Recently bought a babe rock .45 it’s small holds 10 rounds but not comfortable with it yet so it hasn’t made the carry list yet. Love this channel man!!
The discussion on carry position and holsters is a big value for me in this. I appendix carried (sig p365) but my moderate sized gut made it dig into my junk when I sat down. I lost 30 pounds last year (thanks keto) and suddenly it's comfortable as eff to appendix carry again. 10 pounds can be the difference in carry position. I think a lot of pros miss this, and its really important since 60% of Americans are obese now. Don't meet them where you want them to be, meet them where they're at, kind of deal.
i just got my first gun the p365 and appendix carrying just worried me because i dont want it pointing at my groin while im sitting down. Do you still appendix carry?
@@Acturiz I do. I also shift it to the right just in front of my hip bone , which guides it into my thigh, if I am in the car for long periods. A quality holster that securely covers everything, esp trigger, is a big deal for both safety and comfort. I use a Darkstar and it is quite comfortable after fiddling with positioning. I also hear great things about the enigma if you want it out of your waistline.
Good video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I would like to add to your comments on holsters. I am 5’4”. There are not a lot of kydex holsters that I have found to be easily concealed. I have found a couple of companies (Kramer Leather, Crossbreed) that make their holsters from really good horsehide that are amazingly small, yet perfectly molded to each gun model securely retain them. I’ve had several for years and they are holding up perfectly. Not knocking kydex holsters, I just find they print more because of their bulk.
I really enjoyed this video. I enjoy your channel in general. I'm just now considering concealed carry. I'm 74 and small stature ( for a guy). I like your straight forward no BS approach to every presentation.
JM4 tactical for the g26 is amazing. Leather, covers the trigger, magnetic so it can be worn with sweats or shorts as long as you have a draw string, and a good ride height. Couldn’t recommend their roughneck series though. It is cheaper but the ride height is way to low!
I just recently purchased one of their Relic series for my gen 5 G22 that has a RDO and tact light on it. I have been round and round with them via email about the holster. I can not draw the gun out of it because of the cheap and flimsy belt clips they use on it and they offer no other options. The holster itself is very well made, however if all of the components they use to make the holster with aren’t equal in the same quality, it causes a huge problem. The belt clips cause the holster to tilt on the belt which in turn makes you try to draw the weapon out at a cocked angle against the side of the holster. If the belt clips has been solid rings and thicker, this would not have happened. They have yet to reply to my last email reply asking for a return authorization and refund eve though they have a unconditional 30 day money back guarantee. I’ve had my holster less than 2 weeks. I will never do business with them again.
A while back you said you were gonna get your Shield Plus Performance Center milled for a red dot and have a 1,000 shot review of it. I'd love to see a video on that, especially since you made a point about slide mass in this video. (I'm probably gonna do the same with mine but your opinion would be appreciated) Thanks for the content!
I've been looking forward to that as well, since I have one and was thinking about doing the same. Also, his comparison versus the spectre comp. Hopefully he sees this and drops the video soon.
Thanks for giving a good commonsense look at concealed carry. I agree with all of your points. One and five are the ones I have seen the most problems with. Four was something I never thought much about, but it is a system and any cog in the system that is ignored can bite you at the worst time.
I use a Ruger LCP 380 Max as my “swimsuit” carry. It clearly has limitations that I have trained to work around. Understanding that is a 5 to 7 yard pistol is one of them and finding the correct ammunition that works for those limitations. It works but it’s not an everyday carry like my VP9.
Is there anyone that could "not like your videos?" You must rehearse, story board and eventually edit the heck out of the vids to end up with perfection like this. My only disappointment would be to hear you get everything in one take. Thanks for y'alls work, it is appreciated and enjoyed by myself and I'm certain many others.
It’s crazy how many people recommended after market triggers for my carry gun. I went online and saw all kinds of reliability issues from people with aftermarket triggers. And none with the stock P10c triggers. I wouldn’t want to change mine anyway, Ken Hackathorn says “if you get a gun with a good trigger, leave that thing alone”
I'm kind of shocked how often I see aftermarket stuff on cop handguns in videos. And every time I've seen a malfunction in those videos the guy has aftermarket parts. One guy had slide cuts and everything. No idea how or why a department would allow for that.
@@S1deshowRob Yeah you just need to extensively test it and I'd also stay away from any super light trigger it increases the risk of the gun accidentally firing, whether your fault or if it just goes off(I saw a video once of a glock with a super light trigger that could fire when slamming the mag in to it).
I've started using a vertical shoulder holster with a full frame auto, and I gotta say that for what you'd lose in draw speed, it makes up for in all day comfort and lack of printing. If it was good enough for Elliot Ness, it'll work for me.
@@peterrussell798 5-inch 1911.45 acp and Craft Holsters leather vertical shoulder holster with the tilting system and the nylon version of the same for the Beretta 92. I tried a Galco but strongly prefer Craft Holsters now after having experimented with both for the last year+. Shoulder holsters definitely require a jacket, but I'm a convert now for sure and feel it beats micro 9 comfort any old day of the week.
Outlaw, an honest THANK YOU for including your wife’s opinion on the position of concealed carry. It’s really important to take on perspectives outside of our own bias and provide those insights to people it may benefit beyond just ourselves. You’re a great man, I appreciate the content you provide 👍🏻
I really appreciate the mentions of physical engagement, most people don't train martial arts and don't realize how far those skills can take you. Personally I hope I never have to draw a gun on somebody and am confident I could handle most situations without resorting to lethal force, but I understand sometimes you have no other choice.
Great video, just like the rest you do! I just went through a few new changes with my EDC and then when I watched this, I felt vindicated. 😂I just changed my holster and added more aggressive grip panels from VZ and even with those seemingly cosmetic changes, my comfort zone wasn’t achieved until I was 250 rounds in. Thank you so much for the work you do!
