About SD Carry

As a young boy in Texas, I grew up with guns. They were basic tools, much like my grandfather's mitre box or pipe wrench, there to perform specific tasks when called upon. I was taught gun safety by virtually every male adult in my family. I spent eight years in the US Navy operating and maintaing various guns from .30 caliber to 5" rifles.

After a few years as a moderator on a popular gun forum, I learned that there is much disinformation, prejudice and plain ignorance about guns posted constantly on the internet.

This blog is dedicated to sharing worthwhile information about the increasing acceptance and practice of legal concealed carry in our country. There is much mis-information and wild opinion about this topic among its practitioners and the public in general. The moral, social and legal responsibilities of concealed carry are immense and must be understood and practiced by all who legally carry a gun.

There is also a vast amount of practical and useful information about carrying and the weapons themselves and I hope to be able to share some of that here. Your comments are welcome, but will be moderated by me before appearing on this blog.

Stay safe.

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

ISIS Amongst Us?

Are there domestic ISIS terrorists among us here in the USA who are set to carry out random murders of American citizens? A scary thought, and the answer depends on who is giving it.
Obviously, jihad crazed religious nut-cases are real and have done real harm, and continue to do so. What makes these people more dangerous than the "average" terrorist with political or economic hate agendas is the fact that they are religious zealots who believe murdering non-believers is a sacred act for which they will be amply rewarded by God.
Really.
Although few anti-gun folks read, or will read, this blog and those who might, and those who have no faith in reality will counter that religion is not the issue. They will trot forth the poor Palestinian displaced from their homeland (which never existed until after WWII), their poverty and ill treatment by the evil Israelis. This is all a smoke screen to hide the obvious fact, a fact continually reiterated by the jihadists themselves in every way possible, that they are engaged in a religious war against the unbelievers. Period.
Is everyone in ISIS poor? A downtrodden Palestinian? Politically disenfranchised peasants yearning for a return to their "homeland"? Certainly not. What they are, in common, is a group determined to bring the rule of Islam to the world and if the world doesn't like it, then the world can die.
So, in my opinion, the efforts of this bizzare, murderous death-cult encouraging its members here in America, to start murdering our citizens until we give in to them, is not so far fetched. But, I would also say, it's no reason to go overboard. This isn't happening, contrary to the opinions and public statements of a few of our own nut-jobs. Due caution and preparations are in order, along with elevating everyone's awareness that this is a real possibility and to spark discussions of what can be done to deal with it.
In terms of self defense, it goes without saying that average citizens should be ready to defend themselves and their families, and, in this scenario, perhaps other innocent people as well. Due caution and respect for the law must be maintained, for we are not outlaws or terrorists, but people who are determined to preserve our freedoms and safety. I've read a few internet opinions, and a few from national new organizations, that call for everyone to be armed at all times. Not that I disagree with this in principle, but given the responsibilities – legal and practical – of carrying a firearm, that is not something that could be safely and properly accomplished overnight. One commentator declared that everyone should have both a "military-grade rifle" at home and a concealed carry firearm at all times. Why the average person would need a "military-grade rifle" is not clear. I'd venture that if squads of armed jihadists were roaming our streets, the armed response would not come from my neighbors shooting at them with their rifles, whatever quality and caliber they might be.
Now is the time to be alert and be ready, and to educate our friends and neighbors to the potential of jihad nut-jobs among us and educate them on the benefits and the responsibilities of American who are protected by, among other things, the Second Amendment to the Constitution.
I think it is appropriate that our local seasonal closing festivities will feature our veterans' Color Guard carrying the "Don't Tread On Me" flag. Up front and visible.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Two Guns

The Ruger LCP in a D.M. Bullard Cross Draw holster

I think it is safe to day, two guns are better than one.

Of course, many people consider many guns to be better than one and if you are into guns, like guns, and collect guns, that is certainly true. But, for the person who is primarily, or solely, interested in concealed carry for protection, having too many guns isn't necessary or even desirable.

However, I want to put forward the case that for the average person who carries, two guns are better than one, even if only one is carried at a time.

Why would this be so? In my opinion, it is a good idea for most of us who are concealed carry gun owners because of the fact that much, if not most, of our day is spent at home and around the house and yard. Some percentage of our time is taken by activities that take us away from home, and some of these occur in places in which we are more likely to encounter individuals and circumstances that might require recourse to our carry weapon. The two general scenarios are suited to different carry guns. Here is why.

My basic premise is that if one has gone to the trouble and training to carry a concealed firearm, then it only makes sense to carry it as often as possible. Otherwise, what is the point? You don't buy insurance that is in force some of the time and not others, nor throw a spare tire in the trunk for some trips but not others. Why, then, leave your carry gun in a drawer, or locked in a safe some times, but not others? Although this makes logical sense, most people don't follow this general rule because, let's face it, carrying a gun all of the time, especially around the house, is a pain. Really. The damn thing is hanging off your belt, or poking you in the stomach or pressing on your hip bone. Maybe dragging at your ankle. (Why anyone would use an ankle holster if they weren't deep under cover or worked a corporate job in a suit, is beyond me.)

A shoulder holster at home? Forget it.

Good holsters will provide a greater level of comfort, but, in the end, after wearing your S&W or Glock all day around the house, you'll know it. You get used to it, but never really like it.

What's a person supposed to do? Not put your gun in a drawer someplace. As we all know, even though it's unlikely, bad things can happen to good people any time, any place, and that includes while you are in the back room going through boxes for that next yard sale, or in the garage kicking the lawn mower. "Oh, pardon me an sec, Mr. Bad Guy, I need to dash into the house/back room/den/office to retrieve my gun."

So, for me, the solution is to carry an effective but small and light handgun around the house. One that is comfortable because it's small and light, but effective enough by itself, or will buy me time to get to a larger weapon if the need dictates. This smaller gun, in a quality and comfortable holster that is always with me, will ensure that I have access to a firearm when and if it is needed.

Yes, the caliber police and the capacity monitors will not take kindly to the notion of a lightweight, small, and small caliber gun, but a simple reality check is enough to defuse those overworked arguments: any gun is better than no gun when you need one. Period.

My choice for AHC (around the house carry) is a new model Ruger LCP. It is "light" and "compact" as they say. It has an improved trigger for better shooting accuracy – put a LaserMax on it and the accuracy goes way up – and it fires the modern .380 self defense loads which are fine. I haven't yet heard of a big-caliber supporter who would volunteer to be shot with a .380 to demonstrate how weak-kneed the round is. Really.

A couple of good holsters and you have a system that you can carry comfortably around the house all day. Keep it on as a back up, or swap it out for something a bit larger with more capacity if you need to carry in a situation and place that you think requires it.

Be safe.


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Hidden Inside: Some Holsters for IWB Carry

pj holster & the Ruger LCP


Talon Training Group

Lobo Gunleather
SwapRig



Inside the waist band carry (IWB) often gets a bad reputation for comfort. Most people will agree that for the concealed carry person, IWB offers the best combination of concealment, security and access of the other carry methods, but this recommendation is often accompanied by complaints that it is too uncomfortable.

I would put forward the notion that carrying a chunk of metal, plastic and a stack of bullets around for any length of time is uncomfortable. We get used to it and it's one of the costs of concealed carry. Obviously, one does not want a carry system that is unnecessarily uncomfortable and irritating. That will result in leaving your weapon at home, or going to a more comfortable carry method that does not offer the same advantages as IWB.

There are a number of factors involved in a successful IWB carry system. The most important being the person's body type, the quality of the holster and the size of the gun.

There is no perfect body type for IWB carry. Everyone is different and the range of differences is large. However, different body types benefit from different carry systems. Someone who is toothpick thin won't be comfortable with, nor conceal well with a rigid IWB holster and a large gun. A short barrel .45 semi-auto in a clip-on kydex holster worn at the strong side point of the hip will be a heavy, obvious burden. A smaller frame .9mm worn in the appendix position in a soft leather holster will work much better for that person.

A larger heavier person can conceal larger guns more comfortably in more positions.

Clothing and weather make a difference. T-shirts and shorts require different carry methods than cold weather sweaters, jackets and vests.

On the theory that there are IWB holsters out there that will suit different people carrying different guns, I obtained a few IWB holsters for an extensive real-life field test over a number of months. Some of those are pictured above.

I have used this year, on a daily basis, the following IWB holster systems:

  • pjholsters - kydex, thin, very well constructed and effective
  • SwapRig - a highly adaptable and variable system of leather backing with easily replaceable holster shells to accommodate different pistols
  • D.M. Bullard - full grain, exquisitely made leather
  • Talon Training Group - leather, comfortable and very well made
  • Cook's Holsters - kydex, exceptionally well made with a clip adjustable for cant
  • Blade Tech - Revolution Klipt appendix, one of their thin, inexpensive and well made IWB rigs
  • Galco Stow-n-Go - a simple, comfortable and inexpensive holster
  • Lobo Gunleather - a soft, comfortable offset clip hoster
All but the SwapRig holster are conventional designs with various design and manufacturing differences that made the difference in feel and effectiveness.

I will report in more detail on those holsters in subsequent posts, especially after the weather turns here at 7000' for the winter, but I can say a few general things about them now. I will also offer a few observations about some of the holsters I have used previously that didn't make the grade.


Of the kydex holsters, I generally prefer Cook's. The quality of manufacture is outstanding with attention given to small details like rounding and smoothing the corners, a decent sight channel and close conformation with the gun's form. I especially like the ability to adjust the belt clip for different angles of cant which allows this holster to easily adapt to positions ranging from the cross-draw to the strong side behind the hip carry.

Blade Tech's Revolution Klipt is an outstanding holster that works, is thin and comfortable and at under $30 is priced right. I like it.

pjholster's kydex models are among the best on the market, at least among those I have had the chance to use. Paul builds with attention to detail and comfort. His thin IWB models are secure and amazingly light and comfortable. With an adjustable belt clip, I would rate them up there with the Cook's models.

Of the leather holsters, I prefer the Bullard and the Talon Training Group's offerings. Comparing my models, I would give the edge to the Talon holster since it is equally as comfortable as the Bullard, but offers an offset clip and reinforcement to keep it open better than Bullard's design. Lobo's holster is the most comfortable but did not stay in place as well as the others, and while this may be fine for some people, I found it nagged me at times. However, the Bullard and the Lobo, being leather without reinforcement, would carry either a Ruger SR9c or a S&W M&P Shield equally well. The Galco Stow-n-Go is an excellent, cheap, effective and inexpensive holster especially for smaller handguns.

SwapRig holsters are in their own class. Based on a proven hybrid design - a flat piece of leather between you and the holster to provide both support and comfort, it departs from the competition in two major ways: quality of construction and customer support, and the ability to quickly and easily swap the kydex "shell" that forms the 'holster' part of the system with another "shell" or skin, to fit any other gun. Hence, one holster platform can be adapted easily to carry a wide range of handguns. Revolvers. Semi-Autos. Derringers. Large, medium or small, it doesn't matter. For around $15 you can buy a new skin for your new gun and use the same, comfortable, broken-in platform. Excellent idea, and you can tell from the packaging and instructions that they are well made and the make will stand behind his holsters. Outstanding value and effectiveness.

Those are my current picks of some of the good IWB holsters I have tried. There are other quality IWB holsters available from dedicated and quality-minded makers that I have not tried but hope to as the years go on. I suggest that you think carefully about your needs, you body type and they kinds of gun or guns you will be carrying and get the best made holster you can afford. Price is no guarantee of quality, so spend time on sites like this one, and on the makers' websites. Write them. Call them. The good ones will be more than happy to talk with you. They make holsters and understand their uses, so get their input and evaluate accordingly. It's going to be much less expensive to buy one or three quality holsters than run through a box full of also-rans.

As me (and most concealed carry people) how I know...




Not-so-hot
In this category are holsters I've tried and not liked for various reasons ranging from value, security to comfort. Others obviously feel differently, but I just didn't like them:

  • Crossbreed - based on the quality of construction compared to their cost, and the lack of interest and attention given to customers or potential customers.
  • Old Faithful - a slap-together, uncomfortable and less secure do-it-yourself assemblage of parts.
  • VersaCarry - I am just not that interested in the minimal level of security offered for the trigger and magazine release.
  • High Noon - looking at the excellent holsters on the market with the same designs and materials, I don't understand why their prices are so high. I also didn't like being told that I didn't know enough about holsters to question them on their pricing.
  • Remora - the 'high friction', no clip, IWB holster is generally a good holster, but after using many models with many handguns I feel they do not stay in place without adjustments during the day, especially if one is active. Yes, I've had one work it's way out of my waistband and fall to the floor. Also, when worn with some clothing, they are not guaranteed to stay in place when the gun is drawn. That's been my experience.