Sometimes it can be difficult to remember why you started carrying guns. Some started carrying guns out of necessity, while others were motivated by fear. Others simply wanted to be able to carry. No matter the reason, there are certain pistols I love for concealed carry. These pistols, along with tips and accessories, are mine.
Concealed Carry Pistols and Tips, Training, And Accessories
It is a different world now. There is no need to argue why you should carry a gun every single day. We’re going to skip that.
Let’s face the facts, if you don’t believe in protecting yourself, you probably won’t be reading this magazine. I’d like to take the time to explain how and what I carry. I will also share some of the lessons I have learned through my experience carrying.
How it all began
My journey with a gun began as a combination of fear and necessity. At the age of 24, this wild ride began. I was a typical 24-year old in that I walked around every day unaware of danger or evil. I was invincible. I was the owner of a bread delivery company with territory in Detroit, Michigan.
This was not in downtown. Yes, there are some good areas in downtown Detroit. My route was in what many would call the ghetto. Many of the stores I dealt at had armed security, barricades outside the store to prevent people from stealing carts, as well as homeless people sleeping in dumpsters down the alley.
Over the years, I was exposed to many strange events. I gained a lot of knowledge about how to survive in these areas. However, I believed I could always fight my way out any situation if necessary. Not to mention, I believed that it would never happen to me.
A shift in perspective
That all changed in a flash when I was forced to surrender to gunpoint in my own box truck. As I stared down at the barrel of my beat-up revolver I could clearly remember thinking about how stupid I was. How could this have happened to me?
I also remember thinking that I had a long day ahead of me if I soiled my pants right now. I have to keep my head up. Fortunately, I was able to get out of that place unscathed, even though my pockets were a little lighter and my pride was shaken.
The man took off and I sat in the truck trying understand what had just happened. All I could think of was how helpless and vulnerable I was. I had no idea how to protect myself. That was when I began researching guns and how to carry them.
Training
One thing I knew was that I would need training. I didn’t grow-up with guns and I hadn’t touched one before. My dad didn’t like guns, and I never knew much about them.
I began to talk to friends with guns. My friends would take my out shooting. Each of my friends would teach me something new. Of course, the lessons I learned would often be the same as what my friend taught me using a completely different method.
Because a weapon is only useful if you know how to use it, I had to make sure I understood what I was doing. I bought my first pistol and attended as many classes as possible to learn how to properly carry it. Firearms became a way of life and I knew that I wanted to teach others and work with them.
MY CARRY
Kahr PM9
When I started this journey, the Kahr PM9 was my first gun. It was the smallest 9mm pistol I could find at the time and I shot it very well. The Kahr was my main weapon for six years. I used it almost every day.
It was difficult to find the gun I wanted because every gun shop I visited wanted to sell me a Glock. But I wanted the Kahr. This PM9 has been with my since 1995. It has taught me to shoot with over 100 people.
It has seen more than 15k rounds through it and has saved my life at least twice. It is still in my truck today as a backup gun. I carried it in a Crossbreed hybrid pouch almost every day, and I still have the original holster.
Ruger LCP
This gun was given to me by a bread man I used to meet on one of my routes. He had bought it new and was unhappy with its small size. I loved the idea that the small pocket pistol could be used as a backup for my Kahr. Or for those times when I need something very discreet.
I understood what he meant when he said that he hated shooting the gun the second I took it to the range after purchasing it. You will be beaten up by the LCP. It is small, lightweight, and easy to conceal.
I often wear cowboy boots and found that a simple IWB clip will attach to my boot’s top. The LCP can be carried up to my ankle with the boot’s top attached. It makes for a simple draw. The gun will remain extremely concealed if you are wearing long pants.
Sig Sauer P938
As my Kahr grew older, I felt that it should be retired. I bought my Sig Sauer P938 at a local gun and knife fair. I love 1911s and the Sig has many of the same features. It’s a small package, but it felt just like my PM9 when I carried it on my strong-side hip.
I also stuck to what I knew and bought the same Crossbreed holster for the Sig. This gun has seen many rounds, as well as some custom Cerakote work. It is still my favorite summer gun.
Glockish 19
Everyone has probably had or considered a Glock at some point. They have become the Kleenex for tissues. They are the subject of almost every rap song.
I was told that I needed a Glock when I started this journey. This really made me want one. My G19 is not a Glock. Continuous Precision, a local shop, built it. They make triggers and sights, mag buttons and base pads.
I needed some milling done for an article, so I bought a gun that they made called the TAC19. It’s a Glockish 19 that was built on a Nomad Defense frame. This gun was my first red-dot pistol. It is quite heavy and bulky, which I am not used to. It conceals well under my TacRig Hoster system in winter.
The TAC19 fits perfectly on my hip and is hidden under a jacket or sweatshirt. I love the larger capacity and have enjoyed using an optic since I was able to use it properly.
FN 509 Midsize
For an article I wrote about the gun, I received the 509 from FN. It was my first love and I bought it. Later, I customized it completely. Because I am a gun nut and enjoy the possibilities offered by these shops. Despite being about the same size as a Glock 19 the FN conceals better than a Glock 19.
I rotate three of these carry guns. If I’m reviewing something, I might add another one to the mix. The LCP is kept in my safe and is only accessible when I need it. The PM9 also has a safe place in my truck, in a console safe.
To make sure that my guns are always ready for action, I carry them with me. I’ve tried to carry an appendix, but it doesn’t work for me. It would be wonderful if it could work because I love the idea. Perhaps my body isn’t built for this or that. To conceal it, I stick with what is comfortable: my strong side hip with a slight cant forward.
Accessories
A good belt is a must. It must be strong enough to hold the clip in your holster and be strong enough to carry the extra weight of a loaded firearm. I am a huge fan of the NEXBelt EDC Belt. NEXBelt is free of holes and has a ratcheting mechanism so that you can adjust the tension if your lunch menu includes the entire left side.
I feel naked if I don’t have a good knife in me. For easy deployment, I prefer a knife with a blade that is out-the-front or a spring assist folder. Since I started carrying concealed, I have had to pull my gun upon another person twice. I have never had to fire a gun.
After staring down the barrel of my revolver, I resolved to never be caught unarmed again. I intend to continue learning and improving my carry skills so that I never get caught unarmed again.
This article was originally published by Personal Defense World in the February/March 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email [email protected].
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Personal Defense World published the article My Carry Journal: Concealed Carry Pistols Tips and Accessories.
