EDC Pistols and Accessories

     One of the things I see people get wrapped around the axle about is what pistol is good for Every Day Carry (EDC.)

     I have seen folks carry American Arms 22 magnum revolvers in an elastic band in their hat all the way to a sawed off lever action Marlin 30/30 under a trench coat. They all serve some of the same purposes. One is just more devastating than the other.

    I know if I'm expecting a gun fight I won't be getting a pistol. My AR-15 or Remington 870 will be in my hands. However, I would never be afforded that convenience.

Author's Redrup Custom Glock 19 with Haley Strategic INCOG holster

    The first thing I tell folks when they ask me what they should carry is, "What can you afford?"

     It is said if you buy cheap you are going to buy twice. I'm probably going to get some folks on this one. But, I don't recommend most guns that cost below $250 new from a gun shop. They usually can't take the constant beating of dry practice at home and running on the range. I have seen several inexpensive guns literally fall apart on the range. They are your hands, face, and eyes. You risk what you want with them. I usually won't allow them in my classes. Don't get me wrong. A $45 pistol will kill you just as fast as a S&W 500 Magnum. You got to ask yourself, "How much is my life or my family's worth to protect it?"
I have no answer for that. I want reliability above all else.        

Author's Sig Sauer P238 Scorpion in 380 ACP with Zero Concealment Rig

    The next question is usually what caliber to purchase? That is yet again another loaded question. Do you get as small as a  22 Long Rifle or as large as a 500 S&W Magnum? Yet again, budget is one of the things that come into play. Can you afford to practice with that caliber. Even at these inflated market values it is still cheaper to plink to practice with 22 LR than it is with 45 ACP. Next is lethality. People say that if you shot them with a 22 LR or Magnum all it would do is make them mad. Then some say that 45 ACP is the only caliber to carry on earth cause it will throw their enemy across the room and will kill them with the first shot. Obviously they have not dealt with any one ingesting bath salts or on Methamphetamine. The thing is people have been killed by all of these calibers large and small. I can tell you there is a reason why there has been a growing trend to go back to 45 ACP for a reason. But if you are not willing to carry a heavier, thicker, and lower capacity pistol then it is not for you. What kills a person is either blood loss (shock,) organ failure (heart,) or nervous system failure (brain and spinal column,) or a combination of any of the three.

     The smaller the caliber generally the smaller you can make the gun if conceal ability is the issue. When I am at a place where less clothing is optional (beaches, gyms, and hot weather) I usually carry a smaller pistol like my Sig Sauer P238 Scorpion. It fits in most of my smaller bags or I can wear it in shorts and a tank top without most folks noticing it. When you see me in overalls around the house or outside this gun will be on me. It is probably the smallest caliber gun (380 ACP) I will carry alone on my person. I have had American Arms 22 Magnums in my pocket before. But I always had something bigger with it on me.

Author's Springfield Operator with Surefire X300 light and ZCS Kydex

     Shot placement and what the bullets do when it hits the human body is the next topic for caliber. I really really really do not recommend full metal jacket ammunition for carry if you can get around it. Hollow point ammunition is the better way to go. But which is best? Yet another heated debate. A good bonded or solid copper round with good weight and velocity that functions well in your gun is the way to go. I use Speer Gold Dot in my duty 1911 due to department policy. It is a good round over all. I carry 124gr +P Speer Gold Dot in my Redrup Custom Glock 19. In my Scorpion is Winchester DPX 95 gr. There is also Golden Saber, Extreme shock, Hornaday (Zombie Max, Critical, and Personal Defense,) and Corbon to name a few. But all of the most exotic magic bullets will not do a darn thing if you don't put them where they need to go. I teach three zones to aim for during a fight. The hydraulic area (chest cavity,) the electrical area (brain and spinal column,) and the mechanical area (pelvic girdle.) These three areas do not guarantee the fight will stop. However, it sure will increase the odds. I put a CCI Blazer in 22 LR in your eye socket will have better odds of you ended a lethal threat then a Speer Gold Dot in 50 AE in your big toe. But you don't shoot once. You shoot often enough to make the threat stop. End of story.

     Carry options.  Depends on your state's laws on the books. The great state of Tennessee is a carry state. Some are concealment only and some are anyway they want as long as they are not a felon or been convicted of domestic violence. My department's standard operating procedure dictates concealed carry only. I am also a fan of Kydex. Some of my friends prefer nylon or expensive leather. Yet again is a budget and job issue. There are many on the market you just have to experiment like I have. I have a tote full of all kinds of holster for different guns over the years of doing just that. The holster needs to be somewhat comfortable. You are always going to know the gun is on you no matter what. I have not met a holster maker yet that can make a holster disappear or not be 100% convenient to the wearer. Guns and holsters should be 'comforting' not 'comfortable.' Inside the waistband for concealed carry has been the better of the choices in the warmer months. During colder weather you can get away with a holster that is worn on the outside of the body under a coat, vest, or fleece pullover. The holster needs to also do its job of holding the pistol in place when you are running, sitting, or fighting on the ground. If you go to draw your gun after falling and it isn't there that was an epic failure on your part.

     There are several informative avenues for gathering information. I use YouTube a lot as well as other forums on the internet. However, always be open minded to new things and do not be information incestuous with one source only. And just because Jim Bob Cooter at the local Rod and Gun club carries his pistol tucked in the back of his jeans does not mean you should too.

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     Tim Davis, Jr. is a full time law Enforcement Professional, martial arts, and a part time firearms instructor. He has firearms experience spanning over 15 years ranging from several schools in advanced tactical response to time spent in Afghanistan working with their law enforcement program. Tim is the co-owner of Appropriate Action in Englewood TN.