Whats wrong with this picture?
This is a gun store in the Daytona area. Click on the picture to enlarge it. A sign on the front door indicates that the store does not allow concealed carry, yet this store facilitates CCW training and sells plenty of handguns. Somewhat of a disconnect, imo.
Now, in no way am I infringing upon one's right to govern his own property, but this seems counterproductive.
Picture now fixed
Gear Review – Crossbreed Minituck Holster
Crossbreed Minituck in cowhide: $67.75 at Crossbreed Holsters
Crossbreed Minituck and Kahr PM9
The decision to purchase a crossbreed was a tough one. Not because I questioned the value of the product but because there are so many holster designers out there it's hard to narrow it down just by looking at some pictures. I searched for reviews on THR, youtube, etc., and in the end it was crossbreed vs comp-tac. I really liked that the comp-tac had interchangeable kydex bodies but realistically, I would just want a dedicated holster for each weapon and the minituck was really the size I wanted for my particular carry gun. So Crossbreed it was.
Now, I had already become very comfortable with my CCW/uniform Bug - the Kahr PM9 but I had thought IWB carry would be uncomfortable, so I had been using a desantis nemesis in the front right pocket. That holster was extremely comfortable but not exactly tactically advantageous as it can only be accessed by one hand and it left a large bulge in my dress pants and khakis (cargos were great and I still use it this way). While reading up on IWB carry through www.defensivecarry.com (where the owner of Crossbreed is an active member) I saw that most people seemed to think IWB was great - given you didn't carry an extremely heavy gun like the XDM in .40 and had a good belt (like the wilderness tactical products ring belt worn in the photos) . The owner of Crossbreed seemed to have a serious amount of customer loyalty and an awesome sense of customer service so I went ahead and pulled the trigger thinking I could address any issues on Defensive Carry if necessary.
Crossbreed Minituck with Desantis Nemesis for size comparison
Ordering: Simply put, there were no issues. The ordering process was smooth, the delivery was fast once the holster had been made (hand made to order), and the product was exactly what was advertised. Exemplary of American-owned small businesses.
Comfort: While I made my first foray into IWB I was a bit uncomfortable. Kind of like carrying concealed for the first time, I thought everybody could see this huge bulge on my strong side. They didn't, I was just being paranoid. Once I got over my paranoia I could feel just how comfortable this holster was, especially while carrying a small polymer framed single stack! In fact, the only way I do not like carrying this holster is on a hot Florida day where I sweat a lot and don't have an undershirt on. The cowhide backing kind of "sticks" and can rub your skin the wrong way. My next Crossbreed will be in horsehide, a $10 upgrade. With an undershirt and a good, stiff belt it is honestly not noticeable.
The minituck's cowhide backing - also showing the cutout for the mag release
Construction: The holster is sturdy and durable. More than capable of some bush time if you choose to carry it then. The rivets are strong and the quality of the leather is awesome. I did have to use a razor knife to cut out a little indention for the magazine release button which is a common procedure and not difficult at all.
Gun ride: The holster has adjustable retention but I didn't mess with it. The tension from my belt over the kydex body is plenty enough. The gun rides extremely well, it won't fall out even when jogging (yes, I jog with cargo shorts, so sue me) but can be drawn without a tug of war battle.
A patterned cover shirt makes it disappear
Concealability: With the Kahr PM9, which is a thin, single stack 9mm, I can use t-shirts and still have little outline and that's if you know what to look for. With patterned/checkered western shirts over jeans there is no way you can tell that anything is there. I will occasionally wear this set up with a tucked-in dress shirt. The minituck does have hooks that allow this option and it just disappears. Of course body type and size of the gun make a big difference here but your covering garment is really the kicker.
Under a T-shirt the minituck prints less than my cell phone (left side)
Summary: It's a great IWB option. Admittedly, the only other IWB holsters I have used were cheap Uncle Mike's and Galco set ups that are mass produced so when I get hold of quality hand made American goodness I will be a little bit biased. Crossbreed has done a phenomenal job at making a well crafted, comfortable, and affordable IWB holster with the minituck and I am sure it speaks for the rest of their product line.
Note - I tried to mess around with image placement. Let me know if it effects your viewing.
Check out my gangsta style - beginning of draw The contact point is good and solid leading to strong presentation
First Impressions – History Channel’s Top Shot
The History Channel's Top Shot
I've just finished watching the first episode of Top Shot from The History Channel and I have to say, I like it. For one, I like the idea of firearm competitions. Then when you add physical activity to that and it's just candy. The one thing I'm unsure of is The History Channel putting effort into "reality" based programming. Well, it is hosted by Colby Donaldson of Survivor fame (whom I like), but we'll just have to see how it pans out.
The format is a team-based competition with a split cast of 16 marksmen (and woman) of varying skill levels and weapon specialities. Everybody from Marine Scout/Snipers, IPSC/IDPA competitors, and even Archers are represented. The teams will compete against one another with the winning team being "Immune" and the losing team having to go to "Elimination". The losing team must vote two players to go to an Elimination Challenge where those players will compete in a head-to-head stage, the loser going home. This will continue until only one Marksman is left, to be named the Top Shot.
It appears that the teams will be given an amount of time to practice with the weapons to be used in the challenges away from the other team, with some coaching from professional instructors. Then a competition using those weapon types and possibly multiple stages will be underway. In this first episode the teams competed in a relay "race" of sorts with four stages using four different historical rifles: the Mosin-Nagant, SVT, 1903 Springfield, and the M14. The teams were broken into four shooting groups of two, with each person acting as a shooter and spotter for one stage. The shooting group had to maneuver an obstacle such as a low crawl under wire, a mud slough, rope hang, and a woodrod thicket before progressing to the shooting station. At the station the shooters were permitted to use the structure however they wanted so long as they were behind the station (most appeared to be sandbag posts with windows). Targets were placed at differing lengths. Once a shot was confirmed good by explosion of an incendiary target, the next shooter could take aim, and so on this went.
The first competition was won by the Blue Team. Which forced the Red Team to vote two members into an elimination match. Now here's a good part. The voting is not secret. In this first episode the members of the losing team were taken to the "Elimination Range" where each member had a target with their name on it. Each person must come up to the line and take a shot at whomever's target they wish to go to the elimination challenge, right in front of the team. The two with the most shots on target go to the challenge. This week was a head-to-head long range competition using what appeared to be scoped Remington 700's. Targets were placed at 200, 400, and 600 yards. First to knock out all three wins. Mike Seeklander, a US Air Marshal and FLETC instructor was sent home this week. Pity, because next week looks to be all pistol competitions with the Beretta 92f. We probably could have learned something from him.
That all being said, and it was quite a bit, Top Shot looks to be a good hour of TV with some educational value and good competition based entertainment. Don't let History Channel's deviation from the norm effect you too much. Hopefully Top Shot will not be to History Channel what The Colony was to The Discovery Channel.
The beginners Every Day Carry
If you recall the principles discussed in The first five layers you'll remember that the first layer is always you, your person, and what is immediately available for your use. Since we all live such busy and mobile lives , it would be far too inconvenient if not impossible to carry all our preps with us everywhere we go. But what we can do is develop a system that allows us to address most immediate issues wherever we are that will help us eventually fall back to our vehicles, homes, or other position of strength. This is why it is necessary to develop a small arsenal of tools to be carried on person or close by, every day.
Women have carried handbags, purses, clutches and the like for how long? And why do they do so? If you ask someone like my wife not only is it fashionable, but she can have "the things she needs" when she "needs" them. Things like make up and other "necessary" feminine items. Now, I can sit and argue what defines necessary all day, but with a woman, this would be futile. However, the idea behind this is fantastic: to carry with her the tools for all the "what ifs".
That is the focus of this article, the what ifs. Now, your daily environment may be completely different than mine and some of the things I may recommend for carry may not fit your needs or may not be legal. So please check local laws before carrying, 'cause "Tyson from TCSG said so" is not a proper legal defense.
To start, carry basic items that have multiple uses if possible. The less you carry the more comfortable you will be and the more likely you are to continue. You might also notice that most of these items will fit into a "survival kit" as well.
The first thing every good prepper needs is a blade. A wise man once said all you really need to get by is sharp wits and a sharper knife. At a truly minimalistic sense almost anything you may need post-event can either be procured or fabricated with a knife and raw materials found in nature (we just usually don't have the luxury of time). Do not cheap out here. Now, I regularly carry two knives. On person and in pocket is a benchmade osborne rift for daily tasks like cutting cordage/twine and opening boxes. I also carry it as a secondary weapon. This is supplemented in my Go Bag by a Rat Cutlery Izula for heavier uses. And as always, if you carry a knife, carry something to sharpen it - like a Lansky or Smith's pocket sharpener.
If your needs don't require a stand alone blade (I recommend you carry one anyways) a multi-tool is a great option. I use mine frequently for small repairs I come across and for nail trimming when nothing else is going on. They have so many uses in day to day and survivalist scenarios that it would take a series of articles to cover just the basics. I have had a Gerber Diesel for a few years and consider it indispensable. I have become a fan of Gerber products (other than knives) after watching Dave Canterbury videos. Lately, I have been carrying a small Gerber Clutch (the one with pliers) in my back pocket and leaving the Diesel in the Go Bag. It seems to be working just fine.
The next thing is quite important and carried by most people right now, but is rarely viewed as a prep. That's a cell phone. Considering the scope of an event is limited (not TEOTWAWKI) and electronics are usable you should be able to use your cell for basic communications. For vehicle breakdowns you can't handle why not call AAA/a tow, you can coordinate rendezvous for bugging out, or contact emergency services. In addition most phones can be used to carry a back up set of critical documents, contacts, and access map systems or the internet for directions. I believe in a modern world, a good cell phone is a required EDC prep.
I may be a little bit controversial with this next prep, but in my heart of hearts I believe it to be absolutely necessary not only for self-preservation but as an exercise of freedom and reverence to God for the gift of America. Carry a firearm. No matter how big the thug there is no greater equalizer than a gun pointed at his chest. I'm not saying you need to become a modern day gunslinger. Its just that it has been shown time and time again that the presence of a firearm has prevented the commission of crimes. If you don't feel comfortable with a firearm, fine. I can't convince you any different and thus, you present more harm than good by carrying one. So carry a less than lethal weapon like a taser, spitfire spray, a tiger light, or kubaton and get training. My wife and I both carry Spitfire brand OC spray on our key chains - I like to have options and agree with the argument of "if you only have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail". So I carry a less than lethal in addition to my concealed carry.
For you gearheads I EDC/CCW a Kahr PM9 in a Crossbreed Mini-tuck or a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. An extra mag usually tucked in my front left pocket. I find these setups to be comfortable and easy to conceal. My preferred load is the 115 gr. Speer Gold Dots, they seem to be the best feeding round in Kahrs and have great defensive ability for a 9mm. As always, I urge you to seek professional training before engaging in any kind of carry.
Beyond these items I like to have a few extra tools like a small torx wrench, pry bar, and a Petzl headlamp close by. Couple that with a first aid kit (FAK), a few Clif Bars/water, some smaller items to round out a survival kit like paracord and a whistle (more on Survival Kits to come soon) and it becomes quite difficult to carry all this on person. So I like to have a bag close by to carry this other stuff. I call this my "Go Bag" to remind myself that at any point I can pick up this bag and start walking. With this gear (and God's grace) I should be fine for about 24 hours or 20 miles. Note that this is not my Bug Out Bag as it is fairly limited and is focused on my daily routine, distances/terrain traveled, and other foreseeable problems I may encounter.
For this I use any one of a myriad of bags. My favorite bags so far are made from heavy duty nylon cordura, usually 1000 denier. To date I have not found the perfect bag for all situations although I prefer Maxpedition products over most others. They have great durability and organizational capabilities, but most of their products are geared to tactical uses and break from my usual "grey man" approach. I'm still waiting for them to put out a more plain back pack like their Glen Eagle line. For right now my Go Bag is the LAPG Bug Out Bag which is relatively inexpensive and works fine considering I carry it to my desk and back to the truck. It appears to be business like, but I'd like something a little less "tactical" with two straps for comfort over distance and hands free carry. I feel that a single shoulder strap limits mobility. Don't feel that maxpedition or Lapg are your only options. There are great bag makers out there like 5.11, Condor, Spec Ops gear, and Mountainsmith to name a few.
So to reiterate you should carry on person a blade, multi-tool, cell phone, and self-defense weapon. As well as having close by a collection of tools you may find useful for your daily life, coupled with a FAK and survival kit. Remember to check local laws and always seek professional training before carrying any weapon.
Some of my EDC gear -
When tacti-cool doesnt pay
Have you ever been at the mall and seen an "adventurous" type with a "discrete" carry vest and some 5.11's on and thought, "Geeze, could he be any more obvious"?I know you've had to have seen this guy somewhere before. He's advertising to the world that he has a gun and some cool guy gear. Unaware to himself what he is not showing us is that he is a skilled marksman or real world operator, because those guys don't have to play dress up to go to Piggly Wiggly. The problem here is he not only appears to be "militant" or hostile to the general public, but beyond that he has now isolated himself to be victimized for crimes of opportunity to be committed by an increasingly aware and brazen criminal element.
Just this past year here in Central Florida two men were victims of strong arm robbery in their own garage after having visited a local gun range. The criminals (no, there is no other word for them) were in the range/shop and had targeted these two because of their equipment. Why the two men who had just practiced their skills did not fight back, God only knows. But what I really want to know is if a criminal is willing to approach two men, obviously armed with the latest cool guy gear, what could possibly be a deterrent? The honest answer is there really is no deterrent. They've already crossed the line and shown absolute disregard even when knowledgeable of a victim having a firearm on person.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "that's an isolated incident, my tactical gear let's criminals know I mean business." Well, yeah, I suppose you could be right in some if not most instances. Especially when the criminals are ignorant punks who prey on the weak. But why put it out there, what are you proving to anyone else? Couldn't you be just as safe or ready while carrying your weapon and gear in a more casual and truly discrete manner?
At one time I actually subscribed to the "gear is deterrent" school of thought. However, now that the line was crossed so close to home, I follow these simple rules.
1. Be a grey man
There are distinct advantages to appearing as though you are every day Jack and Jane going about your business. It may sound cold but you have the law of averages on your side. Do not isolate yourself for victimization by advertising your goods.
2. Be alert
Keep your head on a swivel and take note of unusual occurrences and suspicious activity. If you feel a situation isn't exactly safe, retreat to a secure place. Remember that your best defensive action is always avoidance.
3. Don't get caught with your pants down
While going about your business avoid carrying objects like bags or boxes that take both hands and try to keep your strong hand open. If loading large objects into your vehicle, ask the store if you can pull up to the front door. Minimize time with a cell phone to your ear as it not only broadcasts that you're not paying attention, but can effect your equilibrium as well.
4. Your car is not a billboard
Do not keep stickers or emblems that might indicate a firearm or other gear being inside your vehicle. Showcase who you are via social networking sites if you care that much because though you may have all your gear on person, a criminal won't hesitate to bust a window and check for themselves.
To reiterate, it is always better to actively avoid conflict. Do not single yourself out as a possible victim by trying to impress others with your ninja style.