Concealed Carry Tips

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Solidify Your Personal Defense Plan with the Right Gear

When it comes down to the bare necessities for concealed carry, there are only two mandatory pieces of equipment; your gun and its ammunition. Yet in order to optimize your personal defense plan, there are many other accessories to consider, including holsters, cleaning equipment, and gear bags.

Although classified as an accessory, a holster is imperative for concealed carry purposes. Holsters come in all shapes and sizes and it’s not uncommon for a gun owner to have a drawer full of holsters that didn’t quite make the cut.

Although many holsters are now custom designed for specific guns, it is more important to find one that provides stability, comfort and ease of access when drawing.  

Author Beth Alcazar explains the best way to select a holster in her article “Find the Right Gear” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“Remember: The key to safe and effective concealed carry is selecting the best holster for you, for your lifestyle, and for your gun…and training and becoming competent in the techniques and methods required to use that holster effectively.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

A belt is another accessory that you may soon come to think of as a necessity, especially if your preferred carry position is on the waist. The requirement here isn’t so much fashion, but function. A strong, sturdy material such as leather or thick nylon is needed to ensure secure pistol positioning and stability. Add a heavy duty non-slip metal buckle to bring your concealed carry belt up to the tactical level.

Although many firearms will continue to discharge without regular maintenance, the odds of a misfire or malfunction increase proportionately the longer you wait between cleanings. Since each gun is different, it’s a good idea to check your gun’s instruction manual to see what tools and specific instructions are needed to keep it operating at peak performance. There are many cleaning kits available that contain all the basic instruments needed to clean your weapon should you be unable to find one dedicated specifically to it.

If you’re planning on spending any time at all at the shooting range, you will eventually need some place to stow your rapidly accumulating accoutrements. Guns, ammo, cleaning kits, scopes, and other items you can’t live without need a place to call home.  Range bags are as diverse as their owners and you may progress through several before settling on one. A simple one-gun bag with a couple of magazine pouches may suffice at first, but over time, you will probably want to update to a more tactical, multi-weapon and accessory system.

Keeping your gun away from anyone not trained to use it should be of paramount importance. Firearm security is one of the basic tenets of the United States Concealed Carry Association and is practiced by all responsible firearm owners. There are a plethora of gun safety devices on the market today, ranging from state-of-the-art fingerprint or RFID (radio frequency ) identification to the more traditional book, furniture, and picture frame hiding places.  Each home defense plan is unique, so it is a matter of personal preference as long as gun security is not sacrificed for cleverness or trickery.

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Choosing the Right Tactical Flashlight

There is no doubt that the most important component of any personal defense system is the firearm chosen as the everyday carry weapon. Beyond that, concealed carry permit holders will argue ad nauseum about the importance of other items in the carry kit, including knives, backup guns, batons, and flashlights.  And believe it or not, the tactical flashlight often comes out on top as the preferred backup weapon of choice.

A good flashlight has many purposes, ranging from checking out dark areas such as the back seat of a car or entryway, to temporarily blinding an attacker so you can retreat or escape.

But one oft-forgotten use for a high quality beam is as an impact weapon, as author Grant Cunningham explains in his article “Find the Ideal Tactical Flashlight” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“In those cases that another weapon is not available, the light can be used as an impact device. It is not ideal for the purpose, but in the absence of anything else -- on an airliner or in a courtroom, for instance -- it is better than not having anything at all!” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

But what really makes a flashlight tactical? The burgeoning number of concealed carry permit holders has created an aftermarket for a huge variety of accessories, many of which have been deemed tactical. Yet before you toss that cool-looking light in your carry bag, it should meet certain criteria.

One of the primary “tactical” tests is reliability. It should easily turn on/off 100% of the time. Flashlight switches wear out over time, but there are two types that have proven reliable over time; the clicky push type, and the old-school momentary switch. The click on/off variety have improved immensely over the years, but the momentary switch gives the user the advantage of never accidentally leaving the light in the on position.

Light source is another consideration. Gone are the days of the tiny screw-in incandescent bulb. LED lights hit maximum lumens immediately at the click of the switch. This split second of extra time could prove to be crucial when trying to blind or distract an attacker or sweep a room.

Another important choice is battery type. Tactical flashlights should be extremely portable and therefore require lightweight batteries such as the AA or 123A lithium batteries. Although the 123A batteries are expensive, they are much brighter than their AA cousins and last for up to 10 years.

A tactical flashlight should have a beam that can throw a wide swath of light while operating in arduous conditions.  Flashlights that are classified as flood lights with at least 200 lumens work best for defensive purposes and many of these have other useful beam options as well, including pinpoint and strobe functions.

A flashlight does not need to have innumerable accessories to be a good tactical light. In fact, if you are going to be carrying it with you all the time, simpler and lighter is often the best way to go. 

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Wildlife Threats Require Forethought

Many concealed carry permit holders are firm believers in keeping their weapons with them no matter what happens. Some take this strategy further than others by finding a convenient and dry place to literally stow their firearm in the shower. Others take it to unnecessary extremes, like the fellow who shot himself in the leg while fumbling for his cell phone in the dentist’s chair.

Unfortunately, familiarity breeds contempt and carrying your weapon 24/7 can foster a sense of invulnerability.

Confidence is a wonderful and necessary attribute when it comes to dealing with two-legged adversaries, but when it comes to the four-legged foes, caution, common sense, and preparedness are far more crucial skills.

If you spend any time at all recreating outdoors, you know that wild animals come with the scenery. It’s woefully naïve to believe that once the urban landscape has disappeared in the rearview mirror, vigilance can be relaxed and situational awareness can drop a notch or two. While there are certainly some violent criminals lurking in the rural backwoods of America, there are several more instances of large predators attacking humans in wild and sometimes not so wild locales.  

Historical data shows that victims are rarely armed when attacked by animals despite an increase in recent years of more attacks from a myriad of large predators. Mountain lions have attacked and sometimes killed several hikers and bikers in the Western states. As author John Caile points out in his article “Some Threats Have More Than Two Legs…” at USConcealedCarry.com, bears are not the cuddly creatures often depicted on television:

“Black bears inhabit much of the nation, are [less] fearful of humans, and contrary to their ‘cute’ TV image, can be quite deadly. Wild hogs have taken over much of the Southern half of the United States, and they are getting bigger (and more aggressive) every year.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

Heavy duty bear spray can be an effective deterrent if you choose not to carry or are uncomfortable carrying, a firearm. But it begs the question “Will it work on other animals such as mountain lions, wild hogs, or wolves?”

The answer is yes since the active ingredient is capsaicin -- the same stuff that is used in almost all self-defense sprays, but in different percentages.  However animals’ attack patterns vary and your ability to implement a pepper spray barrage may be severely limited.

If you are planning an outdoor sortie into your local national forest, the best plan is to first know which wildlife species pose potential threats, then adjust your EDC to meet the threat. As always, check local concealed carry regulations before leaving.

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Bumper Stickers Could Spell Trouble

Every concealed carry permit holder knows that the Second Amendment guarantees their right to keep and bear arms, but every now and then, the freedoms afforded by Second Amendment cross paths with rights provided by other constitutional amendments. One of those is the freedom of speech proviso in the First Amendment.

Everyone has heard the phrase that “freedom of speech does not give you the right to shout ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theater.”

The same thought process applies to many supporters of the Second Amendment who see no problem displaying their sentiments regarding trespassing and other transgressions on bumper stickers, window decals, and welcome mats.

But as harmless as these public notifications of your beliefs and/or rights may seem to you, they can quickly be used as weapons against you in a court of law.  Author Steve Houseal explains the dangers of advertising your emotions in his article “Unforced Errors: Don’t Send the Wrong Message” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“Unless you’re very lucky, every aspect of your life will be examined with a microscope by a prosecutor looking for wrongdoing, an attorney looking for a lawsuit, or a reporter looking for a front-page story. Anti-gunners will look for any way to vilify you.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

In other words, if you have signs that read “Trespassers Will Be Shot, Survivors Will Be Shot Again” or “This Home Protected by Smith & Wesson,” you and your shooting buddies may think they serve a clever purpose. Yet if the day ever comes when an intruder invades your property and you are forced to use your weapon to defend yourself, you’ll wish those signs had never been posted.

It’s bad enough that investigators will be less likely to believe your version of the story, but the media will latch on to your signs and portray you as a trigger happy gun nut just waiting for an opportunity to pump a barrel full of lead into someone. Attorneys will go to great lengths to convince a judge or jury that your signs or bumper stickers mirror your own violent tendencies.

Most concealed carry permit holders are acutely aware of the increased responsibility that comes with owning a firearm and act accordingly. However, there are still those who cannot fathom that their words and actions continually convey a message that could jeopardize their freedom should they ever be involved in an encounter using deadly force.

The best course of action when carrying concealed is to use situational awareness to avoid any dangerous scenarios to begin with, while at the same time remaining quietly confident. As Teddy Roosevelt put it “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.”

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Your Silence Could Be Your Enemy

There’s no doubt that the world today is a dangerous place. The huge upsurge in concealed carry applications in recent years proves that many people see the need to be personally responsible for the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Yet even in these trying times, the likelihood of having to actually fire your weapon in self-defense is small, but isn’t non-existent.

What this means is that if you haven’t already done so, you should put together a contingency plan that outlines a course of action following an incident involving justifiable use of force.

Unfortunately, if your plan hinges on pleading the fifth, you could be in serious trouble in court.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that a defendant’s choice to remain silent could in fact be used against him. In the case of Salinas v. Texas, a murder case dating to 1992, empty shotgun shells found at the murder scene were traced to a gun belonging to Salinas’ father and Salinas eventually confessed to a friend.

Salinas was convicted, but later appealed stating that his Fifth Amendment rights had been violated.  However the court disagreed, finding that his silence was basically an admission of guilt. Author Steve Houseal explains the court’s reasoning in his article “Clam Up? Your Silence Can Be Used Against You” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“By not expressly asserting his right to remain silent, the court said he did not claim it and therefore his silence was not protected. It does not matter that the police were asking incriminating questions and hoping to get incriminating answers.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

So how does this play out for the working class concealed carry permit holder who suddenly finds themselves face-to-face with a violent attacker and is forced to draw and fire their weapon in self-defense?

Unless you’re an attorney, you’ll need to make it clear to the investigating officers that you’re invoking your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment.  Salinas’ case faltered under review because he never specifically stated he was using his Fifth Amendment right to not speak.  The prosecution in the case was therefore able to assume his silence denoted guilt.

In the Salinas case, this may have been true. In your self-defense case, the opposite may be true. After a shooting, you’ll likely be traumatized, possibly in shock, and flowing between manic and depressed – therefore, incapable of rational thought. This isn’t the time to be giving statements to the police that can’t be retracted or deleted.

Your only statement should be “I invoke my right to remain silent until I speak with my attorney.” Do not give the police any reason for your case to be labeled as anything other than self-defense.

Training involves much more than practicing at the range. Planning and rehearsing your reaction to a violent encounter is equally as important and could end up saving you time, money, and possible incarceration. 

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Aftermath: What to Do When the Unthinkable Happens

Concealed Carry permit classes cover a wide range of critically important material over the course of the training. Along with proper firearm handling and use, other topics could include gun safety and storage, legal issues, and choosing the right firearm. Yet one topic that’s often given short shrift is one that every permit carrier should hope they never have to deal with -- the aftermath of a shooting.

Although only a very small percentage of concealed carry permit holders will ever be involved in any kind of shooting, the legal ramifications are so enormous that anyone carrying a firearm should be well aware of the chain of events that unfolds following a firearm incident.  

If the unthinkable does happen, there are important steps you should take within the first 48 hours to significantly decrease your odds of ending up on the wrong side of a jail cell or lawsuit.

The first precaution should be to watch what you say.  The 911 call will most likely not be the only recorded evidence from the crime scene. You don’t want to appear too calm or too worked up. A good prosecuting attorney can use either emotion against you.

Once someone has been shot, the area is considered a crime scene. It’s paramount that nothing be touched by anyone after the shooting. Author Robert H. Carp explains why in his article “Danger Now: The First 48 Hours After a Self-Defense Shooting” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“This will only aggravate the police and make you look like a suspect, or worst of all, create grounds for arresting you for hiding evidence or tampering with the scene.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

Do not present law enforcement with the card from your CCW permit class that states what to do if you shoot someone. Once again, the prosecuting attorney can try to persuade a judge or jury that the card indicates premeditation.  What you should be doing is having someone call an ambulance, which shows concern on your part.

Once the police are on the scene, they will begin to question you. If you haven’t already called your attorney, do it as soon as you have a moment alone and inform the cops that you won’t answer any questions without your lawyer present.  

If you have a chance, write down a timeline of the event as you remember it.  Include every detail, even if it seems unimportant; stick to the facts without embellishment. If you are released, be prepared for a media zoo on your front lawn the next morning. If they’re trespassing on your property, then call the police. Otherwise, ignore them.

Meet with your lawyer as soon as possible and give him/her all the details, no matter how minute.  They can then begin the legal process and also find out the likelihood of charges being filed, the perpetrator’s background, and other information that may be helpful to your case. In the meantime, lay low and make sure all firearms are locked up at home in case the police initiate a search warrant.

As time goes on, you can have friends and family act as your own private investigators and research the attacker.  Several people browsing the web may find tidbits your attorney didn’t pick up on and it may save you a few bucks.

If you were attacked and acted in self-defense, the chain of events leading to the shooting will eventually surface. Your job is to make sure the events document that you fired your weapon

because your life or that of a loved one was endangered. 

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Knife Carry: It’s Not That Simple

Knives have always had a certain mystique. Their origins can be traced back to the Stone Age and down through the ages, any type of edged weapon has always been a prized possession by its owner. A brandished knife whether it’s a bayonet, dagger, or otherwise, inspires fear while giving a sense of comfort to the user at the same time. It’s this inherent fear that has led many lawmakers to enact or introduce legislation attempting to regulate those who like to carry a blade or two more closely.

Unfortunately, the sinister stereotype that surrounds the knife has led to an incredibly broad legal definition of what constitutes a knife, as author and attorney K.L. Jamison explains in his article “Knife Law” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“A knife is typically defined as anything with a point, an edge, or both. This seems to be a straightforward definition encompassing ice picks, razors, axes, and cleavers. It also includes awls, scissors, saws, and screwdrivers, really.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

Courts have generally settled on what has come to be known as the blood test, where the intent of the attacker is to draw blood.

This is the determining factor in the item’s designation as a knife or otherwise. Screwdrivers, scissors, and butter knives have all been designated as knives in at least one instance because the wielder intended to inflict some serious damage.

There are a myriad of federal and state statutes that pertain to knife carry with very little consistency. Federal law allows knives with 2 ½ inch blades or smaller, but the law prohibits “dirks or daggers” in California with various cases still including steak knives, scissors, and knitting needles as the weapons of choice.

And in general, the court views knives with serrated edges, often termed “blood grooves,” as more likely to be used with criminal intent. Even the saw-toothed rescue tools used by law enforcement and first responders to cut rope or seat belts have been ruled by court officials as tools capable of severely damaging the human body.

Federal law also prohibits switchblade knives, a law which has been widely interpreted to include various spring-loaded blades such as butterfly knives. The switchblade was banned by the federal government as a result of 1950’s movies like “West Side Story” and “Rebel Without A Cause.”

Today however, many states have no restrictions on switchblades and in fact, Arizona never banned the controversial blade.  A far more dangerous blade, the “ballistic knife,” is banned by the feds.  This Cold War-era Soviet knife features a spring-loaded mechanism that can propel the blade up to 15 feet towards the target.

Although the feds have many laws regarding knife carry and use, many of these laws fortunately only apply to federal property and importation. Your local and state laws are most likely the only regulations that could affect your knife carry options. Another important point is that the state laws that allow open or concealed carry for handguns may not necessarily apply to knives. Carrying your favorite hunting, Swiss Army, or Leatherman knife could get you in trouble in some states.

Remember to check state and local regulations before heading out on that multi-state road trip or buying the latest and greatest self-defense blade.

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TUFF Products Pocket-Roo Holster Ideal for Backup Carry

Recent statistics show that the number of citizens applying for concealed carry permits nationwide is on the upswing, and showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, the numbers are exponential, doubling or more each year in some areas. A natural spinoff of this burgeoning market is the increase in concealed carry compatible firearms, as well as accessories for carrying weapons just about anywhere on the body.

Yet one of the first rules of concealed carry is to always have your gun in a holster.  

It protects the firearm from pocket debris, disguises the shape, and helps keep the gun secure no matter where the weapon is tucked away.

One such holster is the Pocket-Roo, designed by TUFF Products for pocket firearm concealment.

This mini-holster is made of Tuff-Tack, a durable synthetic material that has more friction on the outer surface so that the holster is more likely to remain in place when drawing the weapon.

Outfitting your pocket with the Pocket-Roo requires a bit of manual dexterity, as author Scott W. Wagner explains in his article “TUFF Products Pocket-Roo Concealment Holster” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“In order to easily fit the Pocket-Roo into a pants pocket, simply fold the pouch forward toward the outside of the holster, and slide it into place while folded. Once the entire rig is inside the pocket, flip the pouch back into place.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

The Pocket-Roo pouch actually protrudes from the back of the holster and is angled in such a way that it doesn’t add to the holster print.  A seam of heavy-duty stitching separates it from the holster and the pouch makes the overall holster a little wider as well as secure it in place.

TUFF Products designed the Pocket-Roo holster pouch to accommodate certain calibers of QuickStrips, a product also made by TUFF Products. QuickStrips are very compact, convenient, and help speed up the reloading process. A strip with five .38 Special rounds slips easily into the pouch, but .357 Magnum strips will not fit as a comparison.

Another advantage to the Pocket-Roo is that it’s completely ambidextrous and comes in various sizes.  Naturally, it works best in larger pockets. For those not needing or wanting the extra ammo option provided by the pouch, TUFF Products also sells the Jr-Roo holster without the pouch.  Both products are made in the USA at TUFF Products headquarters in Chula Vista, California.  The MSRP for both is $21.00.

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Put the Element of Surprise on Your Side

One key factor the criminal element depends on for a successful attack is the element of surprise. Whether it involves flying airplanes into skyscrapers or the neighborhood thug accosting someone on the street, the criminal depends on a relative state of unawareness by the victim(s) that can give them a considerable advantage in the outcome.

However as a concealed weapon permit holder, you have the opportunity to turn the tables and provide any attacker with an unexpected surprise.

Yet if the attacker somehow determines that you’re carrying, then you’ve given up a major tactical advantage in the encounter, as explained by Dr. Bruce Eimer in his article “The Element of Surprise” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“It is a bad idea to let on that you’re armed. Concealed carry means concealed carry. Looking confident and mentally alert while having that hidden trump card, your concealed handgun and/or knife, accelerates you forward on the power curve.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

In addition to keeping the “concealed” in concealed carry, there are some other modifications that if incorporated into your daily routine correctly, they will decrease your odds of becoming a victim. One simple technique is to increase your self-presence, which will make you a less likely target. This is done by keeping your head up and being aware of everything in your field of vision. Eye contact also helps, as it shows assertiveness rather than submissiveness.

Wearing the right type of clothing is important too. Unlike Hollywood, a wardrobe malfunction while carrying concealed won’t get you on TMZ, but might get you an appearance before a judge. Also, wearing clothes that allow the gun to print not only lets the bad guys know you’re packing, but gives them the exact location for potential theft; a lose-lose scenario for you.

In the event of an attack, it is critical to be able to respond within a second or two, meaning drawing and firing your weapon. It is important to gain the upper hand and put the attacker on the defensive. These types of response times can only be achieved through training, which is another key component to avoiding a surprise attack. In the event of having to fire your weapon, empty the magazine and focus on the high center of mass (HiCOM), or torso area.

Remember that your gun should only be fired if you are in fear for your life, or what is known as “Emergency Response Shooting.” The four steps happen in a few seconds: focus on the attacker, draw your weapon, aim at the HiCOM, and fire repeatedly. If you have followed the concealed carry steps above, the element of surprise now resides with you and the attacker becomes the unfortunate victim of your own surprise attack.

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ISIS Using Knife Attacks to Bring Terror Closer to Home

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that ISIS has replaced Al-Qaeda as the primary terrorist adversary for the United States and its allies around the world. What may not be as clear however, is the subtle shift in tactics that are slowly becoming the trademark of ISIS. The familiar go-to terrorist strategies of suicide bombings, car bombings, and assault rifles are being replaced with a much more devious weapon: the knife or edged weapon.

This shift in tactics reared its ugly head most recently in Merced, California at the University of California campus.  

In November 2015, eighteen-year-old student Faisal Mohammad attacked and injured four people with a hunting knife before being killed by university police.  Before the assault, Mohammad had prepared a manifesto where he “praised Allah,” among other writings and had planned to behead at least one victim.

Mohammad’s weapon of choice was no accident, as Scott W. Wagner explains in his article “The Emerging Terror Threat: Islamic Extremist Knife Attacks” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“This new preference for edged weapon attacks by radical Islamic groups makes a great deal of sense and is directly tied to the use of hunting knives to behead innocent people by ISIS in their gruesome Internet videos.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

The new threat was the focus of a Fox News article “Blade of Jihad: Extremists Embrace the Knife as Tool of Terror,” which focused on the use of edged weapons by Palestinians against Israelis. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the use of edged weapons by Islamic extremists is on the rise worldwide. The “sword of Allah” is an important symbol to all Muslims and assumes mythic proportions when purportedly doing the work of Allah.

A knife also gives any attacker an increased element of surprise. Additionally, purchasing and carrying even a large knife is unlikely to attract the attention of law enforcement. Knife attacks are also silent; the victim may be dead before anyone nearby is aware that anything is amiss. Finally, a knife is always fully operational and requires no loading or maintenance. For these reasons, an increased level of situational awareness is paramount.

One of the easiest methods for dramatically increasing your level of situational awareness is to put away the earbuds when out in public. Many of the Israeli attacks have been from behind and wearing something that blocks your hearing gives the attacker another edge while singling you out as an easy victim.

Make sure your concealed carry piece can be accessed quickly with one hand as knife attacks happen in the blink of an eye. Belt and ankle holsters offer the best one-handed access positions. And naturally, if you do not have your firearm with you, your chances of surviving a knife-in-the-back sneak attack are greatly diminished.

ISIS is determined to bring its philosophy of terrorism to the streets of the United States. The more you can do to adjust your personal defense plan to their latest tactics, the more prepared you and your family will be when confronted with a threat.

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Puma PFR Knives Add Versatility to Gear Bag

Outside of Germany, Puma knives aren’t a particularly well-known brand, but this knife maker has been honing top-shelf blades for almost 250 years. Puma was founded in 1759 near Solingen, Germany. For decades, Puma embraced traditional craftsmanship, forging their blades largely by hand.

Today, Puma is dedicated to modern technology by combining their legendary meticulous handwork with high-precision CNC machinery.  One of the results of this philosophy is the Puma PFR (Police, Fire, Rescue) series.

The PFR series is a perfect addition to any concealed carry gear bag in that it combines a rugged folding blade with a rescue tool.  True to Puma’s work ethic, the blade is made from Teutonic cutlery steel and ice-hardened to a Rockwell Scale 57-59 to increase durability. The PFR blades are available in an assortment of shapes and sizes, coming partially serrated to provide additional options in emergency, rescue, or tactical situations.

Most of the PFR knives have a black powder coating option available and blade length averages about 3-1/4 inches.  The blade handles are crafted from aircraft aluminum and incorporate an anti-slip rubber insert on each side to ensure a secure grip at all times.  

The knife opens with one hand via the traditional ambidextrous thumb lock.  A unique feature of the Puma PFR is the large button that releases the liner lock to close the knife. Author Duane Daiker explains the button’s operation in his article “Puma PFR Folding Knife” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“This button permits the knife to be easily closed even while wearing gloves, which is [un]true of most liner lock knives. The button lock does take a little bit of getting used to, because it must be pushed and then released in order to fully close the knife.”  (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

In the way of the PFR’s outfitting with rescue tools, there is a replaceable, recessed razor blade at the rear of the knife designed to make cutting seat belts an easier task. This device can be used whether or not the main blade is open.

Another potentially useful tool is the one meant for glass-breaking. It sits at an offset angle to allow for more effective glass shattering. The Puma PFR knives also come with a lanyard hole and pocket clip.

For about $110, you can add a quality German blade to your carry kit. Not only will you get an excellent backup weapon, you will also be incorporating rescue/emergency/survival tools into your gear bag.

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Ruger LC9 Targets Concealed Carry Market

Sturm, Ruger, and Co. is on a roll. Discontent to sit back on its laurels and enjoy the success of their LCP, SR9 Compact, LCR, and LCR-357 carry guns, Ruger has introduced the LC9.  The LC9 (Lightweight Carry) micro 9mm satisfies demands for a larger and more powerful version of the LCP .380.

The LC9 resembles the LCP, but is slightly larger and chambers 9mm Luger rounds -- a true stopping power load for self-defense scenarios.  

The Ruger engineering team has also incorporated other full-size attributes into the LC9 design, which include traditionally positioned slide and magazine releases and a hefty 7-round magazine.  

In his article “Ruger LC9: A Safe Choice for Carry” at USConcealedCarry.com, author Duane Daiker describes the unusual magazine setup supplied with the LC9:

“The LC9 ships with one magazine, but with two magazine bases. One base is flat for maximum concealment, and the other has a curved finger hook to allow for a full grip if you have average size hands.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

Before reviewing the LC9’s field performance, the safety configuration on this firearm should be noted. For any concealed carry weapon, it is important to not have to worry about an accidental discharge, but on the other hand, it needs to be ready to fire in a manner of seconds.  The Ruger LC9 leans more toward keeping the gun safe and concealed.  

It has a thumb safety, a magazine safety and an internal lock. While not technically considered safeties, the LC9 also has a fairly heavy trigger pull at 7 pounds and has a loaded chamber indicator emblazoned with capital letters reading “LOADED WHEN UP.” To some, this might seem like overkill.

At the range, the Ruger LC9 had no problems.   Sights are the standard 3-dot fixed sights, which on a gun this size are large and help make targeting easier.  The LC9 was able to feed a variety of ammo without a hitch. Recoil on this gun was definitely noticeable due to its size and load, but manageable.

The LC9 works well as a pocket carry with an appropriate holster, but keep in mind this gun is a little heavier at 21 ounces loaded, so a sturdy belt is necessary. The gun is also suitable for carry with a belly-band, with appendix carry, and inside/outside waistband carry. Pick one up for about $400.

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North American Arms Guardian .32 NAA: Big Player in Mini Market

North American Arms, which originated in 1972 as Rocky Mountain Arms, made its reputation based on mini-revolvers with classic designs and stainless steel finishes.  It only stands to reason that their small-scale engineering finesse could transfer into the popular compact semi-auto market. In 1997, North American Arms introduced the Guardian line; semiautomatic pistols designed to compete with Seecamp handguns.

The most recent addition to the line is the Guardian .32 NAA. This weapon is designed for concealability, fitting easily into a pocket holster and can be kept out of the way on any person.  

The specs on the .32 NAA confirm its status as a powerful, but light concealed carry piece with an overall length is 4.5 inches; 2.49 inches of which being the actual barrel.

The width is a scant .94 inches and the weight unloaded is 18.72 ounces while the loaded weight comes in about 20.49 ounces with its 6+1round magazine.  

North American Arms developed the .32 NAA caliber in an effort to augment the stopping power/penetration of the standard .32 caliber round to that of a .380 ACP cartridge.

Compacting that much firepower into a palm-sized gun does not come without a price. As author Marty Hayes describes in his article “A Pocket Full of Power — The North American Arms .32 NAA Guardian” at USConcealedCarry.com, the recoil on the .32 NAA can be a bit snappy -- literally:

“The gun isn’t for little old ladies with tender hands. It is a serious piece of self-defense equipment for serious people who don’t mind a little discomfort in exchange for concealability and reliability. It is a close-up, personal defense gun, and the user needs to understand its limitations.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

For its size, the .32 NAA proved to be accurate enough for just about any self-defense scenario. At 10 foot rapid fire, groupings were about two inches. Backing it off to 10 yards, groups fanned out to six inches.  

The trigger pull on this gun is very heavy at 15 pounds.  While this may seem cumbersome, the heavy pull helps act as a safety measure against accidental discharge while carrying in deep concealment.

One of the more interesting features of the North American Arms .32 NAA and a bonus for concealed carry are the Gutter Snipe sights.  The Gutter Snipe sights are essentially a square trench used to roughly frame the target.

On the .32 NAA, there is a tritium dot at one end, combining the quick reference of the Gutter Snipe with the more accurate tritium sighting.  This combination makes the .32 NAA an extremely effective low-light self-defense weapon.

The .32 NAA is available with several options, such as designer grips, Novak sights, or Crimson Trace Laser Grips.  It retails for about $450.

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Gloves and Firearms: Training for the Elements

Drawing, gripping, and firing a gun comes almost naturally when you have an established training regimen and a strong familiarity with your firearm.  Yet no matter how much training or firearm knowledge you possess, the playing field becomes level when one factor is introduced: gloves.

Gloves are a game changer. Daily activities like dialing a cell phone become unwieldy tasks when you slip a pair of gloves on.

Imagine trying to defend your life or that of a loved one while wearing a pair of cumbersome gloves.

It’s an imposing task, to say the least.  

As with all aspects of firearm use, the key to proficiency is training. Glove training is especially important to the concealed carry enthusiast whether they live in a colder climate or simply don’t own a pair of gloves designed for shooting weapons.

It is absolutely essential to practice firing your weapons while wearing gloves.  This is even more important for revolver owners, where it is often difficult to get a gloved finger inside the trigger guard, but any concealed carry permit owner should take this training into consideration.

Obviously, the trigger area should be the first area of familiarization for your gloved index finger. In his article “Like a Glove: Cold-Weather Handwear Options” at USConcealedCarry.com, author Robert Campbell explains the importance of feeling your way with gloves around the crucial trigger mechanism:

“If the glove is too thick, the trigger will be pressed adequately, but the trigger return and reset can be compromised to the point of malfunction. The glove material itself may even become stuck in the upper section of the trigger during firing.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

Although trigger operation may be the most critical element affected by wearing gloves, other aspects of the gun’s mechanism are certainly subject to variation as well. Self-loading pistols create dexterity problems and could result in inadvertent pressure on the trigger while loading. Accidental pressure could turn into an accidental discharge easily.

Other areas that quickly become a challenge once the fingers are covered include the safeties, magazine releases, and slide locks on any weapon. Small buttons become big obstacles if you’re not training with your gloves to begin with.

Another important area to consider is the grip. Gloves do not give the tactile response that your hands get when touching a gun.  It is important that your gloves allow a firm grip that isn’t just comfortable.  This will ensure greater accuracy and less recoil when firing.

So which glove is best? Just like your weapon of choice, it is a personal preference. There are several reliable and gun-friendly gloves on the market.

Some are considered “shooting gloves” that provide only marginal warmth but provide excellent dexterity. The Taclite ll by 5.11 Tactical, the Hatch Duty glove from Hatch-Corp, and the Shooting Glove from Gripswell are all good examples to start with.  

In the end, your choice of gloves is not as important as your commitment to training with them.

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Kinetic Concealment IWB/OWB Combo Kit Adds Comfort to Your Carry

Most handgun owners purchase their firearms with one objective: self-defense. For them, the obvious next logical step to meet this goal is to obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons permit. However, new gun owners often receive a rude awakening when it comes time to buy a holster to accommodate their various carry modes. Simply put, they end up purchasing several different holsters for the same weapon.

Kinetic Concealment has taken a huge step to eradicate the multiple holster predicament with their new   IWB/OWB Combo Kit hybrid holster.

It is essentially two holsters for the price of one. This hybrid holster is designed to allow the wearer to choose between carrying inside the waistband or outside, depending on circumstances.

An IWB holster allows the weapon to be concealed inside a shirt that has been tucked into trousers or shorts. Although Kinetic is not the first holster manufacturer to market a hybrid, the new Kinetic Concealment model has several design features that set it apart from the competition.

A comfort enhancing layer of neoprene has been added to the back of the leather, reducing the chafing potential for the wearer.  Another comfort-oriented feature that sets the IWB/OWB Combo apart is the inclusion of nine belt clip cant positions when in the IWB mode as well as a high-ride/low ride Kydex shell cant position.

For those times when it’s just too hot, muggy, or just plain dangerous to use the IWB option, it’s a quick and easy task to switch the Kinetic Concealment IWB/OWB Combo holster into OWB mode. All that is required is a flat-blade screwdriver and switching out four screws to attach a leather belt slide.

The OWB option works best when used with a double-thickness belt. Vvego’s tactical belt, for example, gives you four layers. At $139, it’s warrantied for life, making it a good choice.

Author Scott W. Wagner explains the advantages of both modes in his article “Kinetic Concealment IWB/OWB Combo Kit: Two Holsters for the Price of One” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“I favor OWB most often, but it isn't always practical in hot summer months unless one       wears a covering garment. For times when wearing an untucked shirt isn't feasible, the IWB option is the way to go.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

The Kinetic Concealment IWB/OWB Combo Kit lists for about $98.

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Walther CCP: A Conceal Carry Custom Fit

When the management at Walther Arms sat down and tried to come up with a name for their new concealed carry pistol, the CCP acronym was the one they eventually settled on. However, even that seemingly innocuous name caused some controversy.

Walther is based in Ulm, Germany, in the shadow of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, also known as the CCCP.

The higher-ups at Walther were worried that giving the gun a name similar to the former Cold War adversary might have a negative impact on U.S. Sales. After much reassurance, the CCP moniker prevailed.

The CCP is a 9mm Luger that Walther designed with concealed carry in mind.

The gun is 6.41 inches long and 1.18 inches wide with a single stack 8+1 magazine capacity, allowing easy carry in a purse or conceal carry holster. The CCP weighs 1.39 pounds empty and has a built-in safety as well as a manual thumb safety.

One significant advantage of the CCP is its designation as a semi-auto. Walther has incorporated a blowback system which allows some of the gas to slip into the barrel after firing, which in turn counters the backward motion of the slide. Walther calls this operation “SoftCoil.” The SoftCoil system also allows for an almost imperceptible recoil.

In his article “Walther CCP,” author Rick Sapp describes the SoftCoil system in action at USConcealedCarry.com:

“Walther says their delayed blowback SoftCoil system helps eliminate barrel flip or rise by up to a third, compared to ‘similar pistols.’ This is obviously a benefit when firing multiple rounds as it helps a shooter stay on target” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

Another somewhat unique design feature on the CCP is the sights. The gun comes with three interchangeable single-dot front sights at varying heights. The rear sights are two-dot with windage adjustment. 

The grip on the CCP is a highly textured grip molded for easy palm and finger wrap-around. Other features of the CCP include an easy access slide stop and a loaded chamber indicator. The frame also has serrations on the front, rear, and trigger guard for additional safety.

The CCP frame comes in either stainless or black Cerakote and is available in 9mm or .40 S&W. Two eight-round magazines are included. Cold War misgivings notwithstanding, Walther has put together a nice combination of style, accuracy, toughness, and safety into a firearm specifically designed for the concealed carry market.

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Concealed Carry Travel Raises Issues

Concealed Carry permit holders are for the most part a law-abiding, respectful group of citizens intent upon toeing the line and living their lives according to the rights guaranteed to them in the U.S. Constitution. Breaking the law is not in their nature and they own their permits as a means to defend themselves if the need arises.  

Be that as it may, concealed carry can become a tricky endeavor on the road as there is no guarantee that the laws in the state they’re traveling to are the same as the ones in their home state.

Author and Ph.D. Bruce N. Eimer explains the confusion that sometimes arises with concealed carry travel in his article “Rules of the Road” at USConcealedCarry.com:

“Even though your state’s LTCF (License to Carry Firearms) may permit you to carry legally in a number of other states, when you are in those states, you are subject to their laws, which are often different from the laws of the state that issued your gun license.”  (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)

In his article, Eimer presents ten rules that if followed, will make you less likely to have an encounter with law enforcement or bad guys on your next out-of-state trip. Here’s an encapsulation:

1.       Ignorance of the law is no excuse.  Read up on the Concealed Carry permit laws in the state where you’re going.

2.       Keep your weapon inaccessible and out of sight. By definition, concealed means hidden and it gives you the element of surprise.

3.       Even if you have the right to open carry, it’s better to carry concealed.  An open carry creates a distraction and puts the spotlight on yourself as well as your firearm.

4.       Just like in your home state, have a plan and a backup plan for any scenario, no matter how unlikely.  Remember -- you will likely be in unfamiliar territory.

5.       Situational awareness.  Being aware of what’s happening around you is even more important on the road, especially if you’re traveling with loved ones.

6.       Role play. Practice issuing commands, warnings, and the like.  Look for escape options on trips to the mall, the movies, or at restaurants.

7.       Think of your gun as part of your insurance policy while on the road. Keep it with you whenever legally possible.  And keep it accessible.  Leaving the weapon in the glove compartment is not being prepared for any contingency.

8.       Take your concealed carry permit status seriously.  Remember the reasons you wanted the CCW permit and think about all the unknown factors that lie ahead of you on the road.

9.       Remember that you’re carrying deadly force.  Know the laws where you’re going, but be prepared to use your gun if needed to save your life or that of a loved one.

10.   Keep training. Being in an unfamiliar city is already a disadvantage.  Don’t give the attacker more of an edge by being unprepared to draw and use your weapon properly.

If the concealed carry laws in your destination state seem overly oppressive to you, it may be time for a change of plans. It’s better to have peace of mind with Plan B than to be in a constant state of worry by sticking with Plan A against your better judgment.