Shopping and Reviews

Frequently during classes, students will ask about some of the gear we use and what we recommend.  On this page we will try to list most of the gear, gadgets and published information that we either use and discuss in class, or what we have stumbled across.

 

As discussed in class and in your book, if you are carrying a firearm, it HAS to be in a good holster. This holster from DeSantis is my daily carry rig.  If it isn’t on me, it’s within arms reach.  Some of the features I really like is the spare magazine pouch built into the front, and the ability to adjust the cant of the holster for better concealment, a smoother draw and comfort.  The new Tuck-This! II has a plastic clip that shouldn’t scratch expensive leather car seats like my first generation holster has.  It is also very affordable!!

 

 

At least one of our very distinguished Alumni has purchased this holster, and then said they felt it didn’t hold tight enough to the body.  In order for a holster to work correctly, it needs to be supported by a good belt.  My choice for a daily carry belt is the Tactical Operator from 5.11 Tactical.  While the name is correct, to me it doesn’t scream “Tacti-Cool/Mall-Ninja”.  With dark slacks or jeans, it blends pretty well.  I do find it to be very comfortable, and while I can’t prove it, I also believe that it has doubled as a workers back support/brace and saved me from “stupid pain” when I forgot to “bend from the scrotum”.  Super strong does not do this belt justice.  The nylon webbing is as thick as the towstrap I keep in the Jeep, and the buckle is rated to 6000 lbs.

 

 

The USMC Rules for Gunfighting  rule #1 is “Bring a gun. Preferably bring at least two guns.  Bring all of your friends who have guns.  Bring their friends who have guns.”  Well, even if you can’t bring a friend, if you are wearing two guns when things start to get tense, you might just make a new friend who can use your other gun.  Besides, Momma said it’s impolite not to share.  Generally, I like to have a second gun in the same caliber as my primary carry gun on me.  A comfortable way to accomplish this is with an ankle holster.  While I couldn’t find one that was specifically made for the Taurus Slim series with the Crimson Trace Laser guard, this one from Galco for the Walther PPK/PPKS fits like a glove.

 

The optional calf strap helps keep the rig secure even when moving quickly up or down stairs.

 

Speaking of the Crimson Trace Laserguard, I’ve found it to be hugely beneficial.  At the First Annual APS Alumni Pumpkin Shoot earlier this month, some of us hardy souls stuck around until after dark to do some real “low light” shooting.  While night sights were a huge help, the laser almost made it unfair!  It was scary bright.  This is the one I have mounted on both the Taurus PT-709 and 740 Slims.

 

As for night sights, we currently have sets from Trijicon, Meprolight and Glock installed, and all of them have been exceptional.  As in, when you walk into a dark room, you can clearly see them from 15 feet away.  The Trijicon sights on my Beretta 96 Brigadier are at least 20 years old, and are still fully usable.

 

A wise person once said “Always have a flashlight ON YOU!”  One that is a least 60 Lumens.  Those of you who have had the class know exactly what I am speaking of.  Here is what is always on me or next to me.

The Surefire is an incredible tool, and mine has proven to be extremely rugged, but it is a little pricey.  So after doing some research and testing, I am comfortable recommending this light from Fenix.  It is almost as bright as the Surefire Backup, and uses easily attainable and less expensive AA batteries.