Nobody has changed my life more in the past 4 years or so than you have, John. I have learned an infinite amount of things since I moved just outside of Oakland, CA and suddenly found myself unsafe regularly. Not only do I feel safer now, I am a better person because carrying a weapon has made me a more humble, friendlier person since I know the consequences of a deadly encounter and what I have learned more than anything BY FAR, is how to avoid problems and how to de-escalate. You have made the world a better place and I thank you.
Dude. You just made my whole week. Thank you, I am grateful to help! I grew up in the Bay Area and have an old friend who is an Oakland cop, so I feel your pain man!
I am in Cohort #3 for Active Self Protection Instructor Certification program and I can first hand tell you how much ASP has impacted not only my life, but the many lives I impact as an Instructor. It's very hard to find a qualified source of great information that you can constantly rely on that is always on point and safe. I appreciate what John and his ASP.staff does for the goodness of the world. I am proud to be in the ASPIC team. I suggest any Instructor out there that wants to make a difference in their industry should get in that next Cohort immediately. Thanks for all you do John. Lisa Ludwig
Security guard: no guns allowed here. Is that a gun? Jon: I see you want an excuse to strip search me. What time you off? Give me you number and we can meet up after. You are very handsome… Security: (feeling uncomfortable) it’s ok man, have a good day.
I have carried for 50 years. Yes. 50 years. I have carried into many places that would’ve been socially unacceptable. I’m a master of testing my clothes with my gun/holster. I also ask my wife a lot “am I printing?” And she double checks for me. When I was young (teen) I worked a fast paced breakfast place when the local beer joints shut down. The girls I worked with were always a little nervous. I wasn’t. I had a PPK on me. It was my only concealed carry gun for a decade. I kept that in a simple thin non retention leather holster at the 4:30 position. I tied my work apron aver it and adjusted apron strings just perfectly to retain gun with exact pressure and I could draw fast. I used to practice my draw in the walk in cooler. Haha. We always put the night money “take” in a ziplock and put it in the freezer and locked it and called it the boss’s cold hard cash. One morning as he was retrieving it he asked me if we ever got nervous closing up. He said he heard from the girls that they were always a little scared. I smiled and said “Sir can I share something with you?” He was my friend. and a mentor. Not just my boss. I told him I owned a PPK and carried it to work. He didn’t own guns. He asked me if I thought that was Safe! I said I feel safer with it than without it. He didn’t say anything for a couple hours. Later he took me aside and said “I’ve been thinking about this. I’m glad you carry that gun. I just want you to be safe.” He hugged me! A few weeks later he asked me to take him shooting. A few days after that he bought a PPK of his own. He also started to carry it to work. And you know what’s great? Not a single employee knew. It was our secret. But we both knew the other was armed. It is a good feeling to know you have a friendly who is ready. And they keep their mouth shut.
When I was in financial services I would regularly carry a Glock 19 strong side and shirt tucked in. I would use suspenders and a belt. I would get comments from the fashion police on wearing both suspenders and a belt but even as they were analyzing my clothing choices they never knew I was carrying a firearm. I did pay with my first draw stroke, but it was better than not having a draw stroke completely.
@@marcferret1563 you are saying something that is so absolutely true, it can only come from an obviously a wise and learned man. Men should want to be you and women should want to be with you. LOL
I edc a sig 365xl at my non-permissive place of work iwb 4 o'clock. It's simple...if I get caught I lose my job. My only concern is that we are all in close physical contact with each other and often bump into or brush by each other. A few times some have knocked right smack-dab into my hidden sidearm. It is not possible to prevent this inadvertent contact at work.
I would like to thank john and everyone at ASP for helping to make me aware of the decision making and evaluating environments for which in a self defense situation I can act appropriately, legally and morally. It is very much appreciated and I’m positive thousands of others like me feel the same way and give thanks to the work done at ASP.
I love how he refers to them as "tools", because that's exactly what they are. People are so incredibly oblivious, on their phones, staring into space, you could have a Mark 23 OWB and 95% wouldn't notice it. That logo on his shirt, or clip on his belt is just never going to be seen by the uninitiated.
People really are oblivious. My grandma has known a few people for years that always open carry. One day my cousin noticed that they were carrying, got freaked out by it (my uncle and aunt are super liberal), and went and talked to my grandma about it afterwards. My grandma had no idea what she was talking about, she had never noticed they carry. when my grandma told me, a bunch of my family, and some family friends the story afterwards at a barbeque about half of us were like "really you never noticed?" And the other half of the people there HAD ALSO NEVER NOTICED. People can literally go years without noticing an openly carried firearm, printing isn't a big deal at all.
@@colepeterson9961 True story. I was once checking out in a Cabela's store. An older man was in line in the next register and he was OWB carrying a full size 1911. It was printing like crazy under his golf shirt. Not one person noticed...
I was carrying my Ruger 57 yesterday in a drop leg holster. Saw an old friend while out, and he and his girlfriend both asked what happened to my leg because of my "leg brace". They didnt even notice the 5" barrel gun hanging off it in plain sight. To make matters worse, HE WAS OPEN CARRYING! How do you carry a gun on you and still be oblivious to things right in front of you?
@@kevinh891 if it's fully covered by an article of clothing, it's considered concealed carry. It's also why it's not noticed. Printing does not equal open carry.
John made a good point about the 5.11 hats and stuff like that. When I see a car with “2A” or Glock stickers it tells me there’s a good chance that house or car has a gun inside and that can be a target for thieves. Chose how you brand yourselves wisely folks!
I've been telling this to people for years. Very little amount of people actually listen. Same thing goes for racing company stickers. If you litter your car full of them people will thing you've spent a lot of money into the car. You may get followed and targeted for auto theft. There's a high chance you've got expensive parts that can be stripped and sold.
One of the convenient perks of having to wear a suit every workday is that OWB carry under the jacket is perfect concealment 99% of the time. Just don’t button the jacket and use a holster that holds the gun tight against the body.
Being in TX, people are regularly checking bystanders. There have been a couple times that I KNEW I was made even carrying a pocket gun. As constitutional carry becomes more common place, I feel that more people are looking for concealed guns. I love your content, John.
Ok, I'll play the game. Paused at 3:30 and guessing what your carrying: OC spray Tourniquet Flashlight Knife Pistol Wallet Cool level head And a lot of love.
The Enigma really is the most versatile option for concealed carry across the broadest wardrobe. I've had the exact same experiences in more elevated dress. Do you have any opinions on the RCS Pocket Shields?
Good for you to point out difference between NPE and Illegal - people often think carrying in their office, school, business is "Illegal" when it ISN'T :) (only sometimes) Also you cannot beat pocket carry LCP2 or P3AT with a *square* holster, which makes the gun PRINT (yes, it's *good* it prints) like a phone or a wallet - ultra stealthy! (because it's square) Could you please do a video on proper pocket carry ? How important it is the holster prints square, etc. ? Thanks :)
And even if it is against your Issuing Agency's policy, it still doesn't make it illegal. It just means in a May Issue state that they could revoke the permit. I'd rather have my firearm and risk that policy faux pas vs. not have it and be dead should I need it.
John has changed me as a person. Not just tactically but spiritually too. He’s drilled it into me to protect life over property and when to avoid conflict. The rule of stupid are how I now live my life.
Glad to hear they updated the leg leash. That was my biggest complaint. I should be receiving the sport belt in the mail today, but I did notice the leg leashes were sold out. That explains it; I'll have to check back.
"I look like a pretty normal guy" - We know better John :). Great video from one of the great orators in the 2A community. I've written down, and use, many of your consistent sayings. One of my favorites is "The grip is the master, the sights set the pace, and the trigger is my servant" Love it!
I'd actually nailed most of this, but I've seen enough of your videos to have a pretty good idea of what you're carrying, and where, and how. One other side thought - acting is a large part of carrying concealed. As long as you're acting "normal", and you aren't showing by body language that there is a problem, you can darned near get away with tucking an M-1 Abrams in your shorts. People just have a bias to "normalcy" and will overlook things like belts or holster clips if their brain doesn't see a problem. It isn't excuse to flaunt your firearm by any stretch, but just acting normal will cause any person (not actively looking for you to be armed) to usually miss the fact that you're armed. Thanks again for a refresher on how to dress around your tools.
I'm stuck on tactical hobo. I'm a skinny guy, so pants that fit me don't have very much pocket space. I work as an electrician, so I'm used to having various pouches on my belt. I carry that habit into my social life with a fanny pack.
I ended up building a nice summer/ deep concealment carry rig. it's a full kydex holster and single mag pouch, attached to a perforated neoprene back brace band. I can carry appendix in basketball shorts and a tank top. I can even comfortably run with this setup.
Anyone interested in running an Enigma set up like this should check out the content that Rhett Neumayer posts in the Demonstrated Concepts LLC RU-vid channel. He's done a number of really informative videos about deep concealment using the Enigma.
Thanks for uploading this, John! I have consistently conceal carried to my work for a few years now. They just recently put a "no weapons on the premises" sign at every entrance (really vague if you ask me). For a long time I was using the Alien Gear Tuck IWB at 4:30. It allowed good concealment (no print) and I could tuck my shirt in. I got so used to it I'd forget it was there. Until one day a coworker asked what the clips were on my belt!! It was incredibly awkward and I had no answer. Now I use a kydex holster and either appendix or side carry, I wear loose button up shirts untucked. Now nothing shows but I constantly have to worry about my shirt riding up. So I appreciate this video, I'm going to check that holster out!!
Being Latin American is harder because physical contact is common between coworkers. Wouldn’t want some one hugging me and feeling my gun (or meat gun).
@@tavansickle looks like i will have to settle for ankle carry when we get back to the office, currently working from home due to coof. good thing I got a g26 on the way
@@pjgppjgp I just upgraded (in my opinion) from a G19 to a Vp9. I love the gun but an ankle holster wouldn't be an option for me, lol. Sounds like your ankle is the only safe place for yours..
I’ve thought about if someone saw my clips and decided to just say it’s a medical thing and leave it at that. 99% of people won’t pry if they think it’s a personal medical thing. I figure it’s a reasonable excuse as it could be a insulin pump or colostomy bag etc. technically it’s true as well. Its my emergency response device that keeps me alive if needed. That’s medical 😁
You are the man John! A true master. Thanks for all your amazing knowledge. For all of us sane, moral, hard working, God loving citizens these lessons are a must. Hopefully we never need it but that one day you do it will be everything. In these days and times we all need to be vigilant in our self protection. We don't have one day to relax or let guard down. I have various tools throughout the house. I like to always say you thought I was going to be a victim but you will be especially at my home. God bless you and your family John much respect!
One advantage John has (as well as myself) when it comes to being able to conceal tools easier is being a dude on the bigger side. Having a “Santa Belly” (as my kids call it lol) gives us an area making appendix carry and concealment easier. My wife is a fairly small woman but she has big hips and that helps too. With her she needs to be a little more creative but she still makes it happen while wearing those yoga pants I love so much. A couple friends of mine are really small frame people and they have a harder time concealing than I do. From my observation I think it’s because people that are bigger will tend to buy more baggy clothing that gives us more room to use. Perhaps John could find a couple small frame friends and do a similar video that can help them.
Ok now you’re just showing off we all know you carry but damn you take it to a whole new level I am grateful for what you do. you actually reach out to like regular people regular civilian you know regular American people you know not like cops and tactical people who want to look tactical you actually reach out to like regular folks like ourselves I and like you I appreciate for everything you do and I hope to take your class one day even though I live in Florida and I follow you and I am a subscriber to both of your channelsI I admire you I look up to you thank you for everything you show us on a daily basis on both of your channels God bless you and everybody in your crew in your family
That is pretty damn slick, and informative. I'm not sure I could get away with the same deal being only 5'8 and 150. That said there are smaller pistols for more average frames like myself, and anything > nothing. Thanks for the video and the thoughtfulness you put into it!
My rule of thumb is if a place has good security I can abide by their rules on firearms. Same goes for when I wouldn't be able to defend myself anyway (ie I'm in a very crowded space like a theater).
Hey John, question: in my state of residence, PA, signs that say "weapons free zone" or "weapons not permitted" are not legally binding. As in they are not enforceable in a legal way. They have those signs near the doors at my office, where I work. As far as I know, the most they can do is ask you to leave if your weapon is detected. Do you advise against concealed carrying in such zones? I see them at some stores, doctors offices, hospitals, offices, etc.
If it is not legally binding, then it's a request but you do you. I do believe in private property rights and will generally abide by others' requests by not giving that business my money. As far as your job, you've got to consider losing your job or getting in a gunfight and which risk you want to accept.
@@ASPextra thanks for your insight, I would say I align with your stance. I will avoid, if at all possible, going to such places, but won't forfeit my right to protect my life and my wife's life if I have no choice. As far as my work, I believe that my life, as well as the life of others, is more valuable than my job. But as long as nothing ever arises that forces my hand, or I fail at concealment, we shouldn't have any issues! Thanks again.
Always check your state laws. But you are correct. In Texas it is very explicit it's a request unless it is a valid 30.06 sign. Also if your state requires a class to get your permit they are usually very helpful with what is illegal versus not. Also realize any private business can always ask you to leave for any reason and you should simply follow their instructions and like John said just stop frequenting that place.
IANAL; this is not legal advice. “Concealed means concealed.” GFZs are death traps. A paycheck v. your life: your choice. Even if you’re not killed, you could be maimed for life, or any of the above could happen to your family or other innocents. Will the employer, doctor, or store owner pay your and your family’s bills? No, he won’t. We have a moral obligation to defend ourselves and loved ones against evil. Friendly piece of advice: Do not admit to having seen such signs should you be confronted or even by posting such online. If you are asked to leave, comply immediately or you could be criminally charged as a “defiant trespasser” under 18 Pa CS § 3503 (b)(1)(i) (relating to “actual communication to the actor”). Rank what is most important to you, then apply that to these hypothetical scenarios; then you’ll know what the right answer is. Leges (or policies) sine moribus vanae.
I may, theoretically, know someone who used their laptop bag to conceal when office attire would have printed too badly and/or workplace rules would have cost them their job if found out. As has been said, the signs that are not legal are only business rules that will get you asked to leave (which you should immediately do with no argument whatsoever). I would also second the idea of going to a class in your state, even if not required. They are often taught by either current or retired LEO and they can offer really good suggestions about nearly any topic and what will/won't get you in trouble.
Since I've watched your videos, I knew what you were carrying. I bought my PHLSTER, but haven't had time to fit it on my yet. It looks like a lot of work, and I've Benn busy, but it's on my to-do list during the holiday season...Thanks for putting this video together.
The only thing that changes about my concealed carry in "non-permissive" environments is how mindful I am of my cover garment. I used to worry about minor printing and deep concealment, but after a decade of EDC, mostly in NPEs, I've realized that no one who is intently examining your crotch and waistline is looking for a gun. No one will see a flashlight clip or OC clip and think "He has a flashlight. He must be 'tactical'....HE HAS A GUN! AHHH!" Just get comfortable, concealable enough gear, and you'll be fine. These kooky holsters that ride the gun below your belt line so you have to fish for it or practically unbuckle your pants seem like a heck of a lot of compromise just to avoid printing that only YOU will notice. Tuckable IWB holsters work great. I don't see the point of things like the Enigma for husky guys like us. I might get one for my wife to try out, but women's EDC is a whole other can of worms.
For business casual carry, I normally wear a light-weight pastel colored jacket and matching pants, no socks, a t-shirt and a shoulder holster. No one is ever the wiser.
"Anything you post in there is sort of public knowledge." So for example, if someone were to use the enigma to spoof the metal detectors at a sporting event and posted a picture on the other side of the checkpoint, some miserable shit-weasel could take a screenshot of the post and send it to the head of stadium security? Strictly from a theoretical perspective, of course.
No, but they COULD send it to the head of NBA security who might send it to the head of team security who then calls you and starts a big kerfuffle that ends up being a tempest in a teacup. Hypothetically.
Does RU-vid allow you to put links to products in the description? I would appreciate those so we could easily find the holster you are talking about. Thank you!
Wow, stunning 👏 when you asked the question in the beginning I swore you only had pom spray and a pistol , you were packing so much more! That's so tactical .
Why? After watching many of his videos I continue to see him as non-threatening. Of course I am not a threat, so any interaction will remain cordial - even if it does not it would remain peaceful. Unless, of course, a third party initiates violence in which case I suspect John and I would become buddies.
My combat IFAK: chest seals, hemostat gauze, regular gauze, pressure dressing, chest needle, tourniquets(cat-t/swat)nasal pharyngeal, trauma shears, and space blanket, trauma card. My civilian IFAK: same. Plus headlamp, SAM splint, latex gloves, and maybe some pain meds. I keep my civy in the truck. Haven’t found a good option for on person…until now.
An LCR in a pocket Sticky holster is my go to. I shop for pants with pockets deep enough to fully accept the holstered gun and loose enough to provide quick access and minimize printing.
Love your content. Run a sidecar/standard appendix rig and with dry fire practice virtually alone you’ll be well-under 1.5 draw to first shot repeatedly.
Great training video. Maybe a video on a bad guy concealing multiple weapons and disarming. We trained to search persons carefully in the CG. Those small weapons are sometimes hard to find.
I conceal carry my FNX 45 Tactical with a 5.3 inch threaded barrel, suppressor height sights, Trigicon RMR, picatinny rail, and a double stack 15 round magazine EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE, year round without ANY problem with either concealment OR comfort.
I just recently started to hear about that phlster enigma. It’s a really interesting concept and seems like a great idea for deep concealment. The next evolution of the belly band if you will. Been thinking about trying that out at some point since I’m trying to transition to a double stack compact now from a small single stack 9. Great videos always!
Have you thought of the Urban Carry holster. I fits over you belt and looks like a phone case but the holster goes down your pant leg behind you pocket and doesn't ride in your waist or or print on your person. Makes for a smooth, easy draw.
Always love your vids and just wished we had more rights in the uk. I am left wondering how that carry method works when you are seated. In a meeting or at a business lunch for example. Perhaps you’ve covered that elsewhere.. if not, then maybe you could in a future vid.
I couldn't see the gun, but being familiar with John's preferences, I guessed right about where it was. Spotted the first aid kit. Knew the OC was there somewhere.
I pretty much have to ankle carry due to the fact I'm 6" even and weight about 145. John gives some fantastic tips. If you haven't liked and subd, do so now! What you learn may save your life, or someone else's.
Great video. I just ordered my wife an enigma express for her 365x. I tossed it on one evening and didn’t get it. Maybe it’s too stiff and I’ll have to play with it a bit. I work in a no gun zone and it would be nice to have the option. Great videos and their Facebook group is awesome
My EDC is the 340PD in a pocket holster, or the Ruger LCP also in a pocket holster, if the J Frame can’t be adequately concealed. The only other stuff I have w/me is a wallet, keys, pocket knife, & cell phone.
I use an N8 Tactical hybrid holster when I dress up. Soft leather back, clear polumer shell, and a long belt clip that allows my shirt to be tucked between the holster and clip. I can still carry 3 o'clock strong side just like my OWB, and depending on which pistol Im carrying, there is little to no print. The down side to the N8 holster is that to draw, you have to twist the grip inward towards your body to release the tension on the trigger guard. Takes some getting used to, but I like it.
Really love your videos, every video you make is very informative and professional and realistic. Live in Tucson wish I could learn how to get more comfortable with concealed carry every day. You make it look easy and comfortable
Untucked polo shirts with khakis work very well. A suit coat is also very useful. That's my preferred method when carrying and conducting business. I have carried while wearing a tucked in button-down shirt. It's not as easy, but doable. I have carried that way at trade shows (when the venue allows it...or at least doesn't not allow it). Since getting my CCL, I stopped wearing all "tactical" clothes. No more NRA shirts either.
John, regarding a decision to carry in a non-permissive environment (NPE), please consider an ASP Extra for John's Briefs or Terry's Briefs discussing the implications of having to use your gun in that NPE with regard to your carry "insurance." I know ACLDN says they will not support a member who used a gun in a no-guns location. USCCA says that they will, but a recent court case involving USCCA and Delta Defense indicates they may not. I am not sure about other companies like FLP, CCWSafe, US Law Shield. etc. I believe your followers will benefit from a realistic risk/ reward discussion on this topic.
EDIT: I can’t believe I forgot the ankle med kit! I definitely see that POM on your weak side. That’s all I can make out. I’m gonna guess that belt holster that goes under your garments because I watched your review for it and this would be the exact moment you would carry it. I think I see a wallet in a front pocket. I don’t think you’re a fan of ankle holster but I would guess you would say it’s better than nothing so maybe that if you’re not wearing the other belt holster under the pants.
I like pocket carry and pocket carry in my right front pocket about 90% of the time.. my three choices are Taurus TCP 380.. Smith & Wesson 342 TI air light 11 oz 38 special.... Ruger lc9s pro.. all in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster with flap to prevent printing in your in the pocket
