WHAT’S NEW IN CONCEALMENT GUNS AND GEAR

Concealment WHAT'S NEW IN GUNS AND GEAR

by Eve Flanigan

CCW is a fast-growing segment that retailers should fully embrace

Getting back to business in the time of a pandemic has been a stop-and-go process for many, yet it’s yielded headlines about record gun sales. Much of that

commerce has been for defensive purposes. To increase appeal and usability for an increasingly diverse and knowledgeable customer base, gun and gear makers have stepped up to the plate in recent years to modernize concealed-carry wares. The concealment-oriented consumer expects comfort and functionality, with appearance running a close second. Here are some of the latest offerings in the growing CCW segment.

It’s no longer news that robust-capacity subcompacts are where it’s at for mass appeal. With nearly all guns in that category being chambered in 9mm, there’s room for others, but maybe literally not room in micro-magazines to please the segment of the guncarrying populace who prefer larger calibers. Enter the 10mm cartridge, until now a bit player on the concealed-carry scene.

10mm Line Extensions Are Hot Items Smith & Wesson is one company to take a chance on introducing a pistol chambered in 10mm, highly touted for its defensive capability—if not gentle recoil. Adapting their existing .45 ACP M&P 2.0 pistol to 10mm was an easy transition. A bigger step was taken in moving the flat-face trigger, so popular in the S&W Shield series, into the new 10mm. Every one of the new 10mm 2.0 guns is optic-ready. Thumb safety is optional. SRP: $654.

(smith-wesson.com)

Although Springfield Armory discontinued its fullsize 10mm XD-M, late 2021 saw the dawn of the 10mm within the company’s XD-M Elite 3.8-inch compact, optics-ready (OSP) line. Two 11-round magazines are included. It weighs 27 ounces and is 6.75 inches long. Fans of the 10mm cartridge have waited a long time for a modern subcompact, and Springfield delivered. SRP: starts at $653.

“The Smallest 1911 in the World” Using classic 1911 styling but re-engineering 11 different components to make it truly handy as a 9mm concealment partner, the Springfield Ronin EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) 1911 is bound to be a crowdpleaser. A shorter-grip radius makes the 1911 experience more accessible for more hands. With its light aluminum frame, slim profile, three-inch bull barrel, and nine-round magazine, the Ronin EMP 3-inch is made to conceal. But it’s also easy on the eyes with its two-tone blued/satin Cerakote-on-aluminum

finish, accented by traditional wood grips. As the most recent line extension in the Ronin series, this one allows Ronin fans to build a multi-purpose collection. Weight is 24 ounces. Overall length is 6.6 inches and overall height is 4.8 inches. SRP: $899.

(springfield-armory.com)

Long-Gun Maker Takes New Stance Savage Arms, an enduring name in rifles and shotguns that broke away from the Vista Outdoor umbrella in 2019, unveiled something completely different for the company. The Stance is a new subcompact, striker-fired 9mm handgun.

Distinguishing it from this very large category is a ported slide that comes standard. Modular backstraps are included. Two mags (7- and 10-round) are included. Right out of the gate, the Stance is offered in three color choices: black, olive drab, and flat dark earth. Other options include a manual safety and night sights. No word yet on an optic-ready version. SRP: $470-$561, depending on sight/laser options.

(savagearms.com)

Small Stuff That little gun company from Texas, Bond Arms, took the remarkable step of scaling down their popular derringer design to create an even lighter, easierto-tote tiny shooter. From across the room, this little gun bears a strong resemblance to Bond’s Backup model. However, the profile resembles the “after” photo on a diet commercial in comparison to others in the Bond lineup.

Slim and slab-sided, the two-shot Stinger is suitable for deep concealment. The Stinger is currently shipping to distributors in a snappy 9mm. Shipments of .380 ACP are possible by fourth quarter, perhaps as late as 2023. A .22 LR is in the long-term plan. SRP: starts at $379.

(bondarms.com)

Compact Carry The STR-9SC (the “C” stands for compact) is a line extension of the polymer-lower 9mm STR-9 by Stoeger. The 10+1 capacity all-black with a nitridetreated slide gun sports a three-dot sight system. A tritium upgrade is offered. The barrel is 3.54 inches and overall length is 6.54 inches. Two primary models will be available, one with a standard slide, with or without tritium. The other model has a pre-milled

slide that ships with four mounting plates to accommodate the user’s choice of reflex sight. SRP: $329, standard sights; $399, tritium sights; $399, optic-ready.

(stoegerindustries.com)

A Reinterpretation of Single-Action Concealability S&W’s latest diminutive gun is the hammer-fired CSX, a micro 9mm with a 3.1-inch barrel. The external, single-action hammer and metal frame may be reminiscent of 1911 design, but the CSX is unique. It has ambidextrous slide stops, interchangeable backstraps, a flat-face trigger with safety tab, and ambi-

dextrous thumb safeties. The latter are attached not to the frame, but to the beavertail of the grip. The mag release is reversible. The CSX’s steel, three-dot sight set is removable; the front sight is windageadjustable. Each CSX comes with a 12- and 10-round magazine. It’s currently available only in black Armornite finish on the aluminum alloy frame and stainless-steel barrel/slide. The CSX weighs 21.9 ounces with an empty mag. Overall, it’s 4.6 inches tall and 6.1 inches long. SRP: $609.

(smith-wesson.com)

Smooth Operator Serenity is the name of a new model from luxury 1911 manufacturer Cabot Guns of Pennsylvania. The satin-finish all-stainless frame, Damascus slidetopped, silvery pistol is available in commander and

government size. Although it is an exclusive pistol, it’s made to shoot. An extended magazine well, flared and lowered ejection port, and polished feed ramp all contribute to reliable function. Although the model was announced in January, lead time for this madeto-order gun is 8 to 12 months. Options include a left-hand safety, MRDS-ready slide, and chambering in 9mm or .45 ACP. Capacity is 9+1 or 8+1, respectively. SRP: $8,495.

(cabotguns.com)

Defending Tradition The buying power of the traditionalist remains strong. This year, Taurus has richly served those with a hankering for wood and steel with a new release based on a classic design. Their new five-shot .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver is called Defender 605. It’s compact but not tiny, suitable for bedside or concealment under a jacket. The Defender 605 is an update of the popular Taurus 605 double/single action revolver. Its prominent features are a threeinch barrel, tritium front sight with an orange ring outline, and extended ejection rod.

Taurus gave customers four choices of finish and grip. At the base of $472.63 is a matte stainless or black-finished stainless Defender 605 with a rubber Hogue grip. Coming in at $517.33, the Defender has an Altamont wood grip and Tungsten Cerakote. At

the top of the range, $540.68, the Defender sports a VZ black/gray grip with a matte stainless frame and matte black cylinder.

Also new from Taurus is a revolver chambered in .327 Federal Magnum.

(taurususa.com)

A New Chambering The announcement by Federal Ammunition that 30 Super Carry was newly available opened the door for new guns and line extensions for the new chambering. Those wanting more power than .380 while retaining the capacity that a smaller caliber offers now have a new option. Smith & Wesson stepped up to the plate immediately by offering their Shield Plus OR model chambered for 30 Super Carry.

The Shield Plus OR provides the latest indemand features for pistols. It has an optics cut and flat-face trigger with clear reset. Capacity is healthy with the included 12- and 15-round magazines. Its thin profile and Armornite corrosion-resistant finish provide a package that’s ideally suited for consistent daily carry as well as range use. Available with or without a thumb safety. SRP: $595.

(smith-wesson.com)

HOLSTERS AND MORE

Community Innovation It’s uncommon that real innovation happens on the holster scene. But the folks at Phlster conceived of a no-belt-required concept for popular inside-waistband carry and ran with it. Now in its second generation, called the Express, the Phlster Enigma isn’t a bellyband, isn’t a belt, and isn’t just a Kydex holster. Instead, it employs components or concepts of all. This system of carry employs either a house-made or user-provided Kydex shell, a nylon belt and leg “leash,” plus a unique 3D-printed frame that attaches to the holster and holds it snug to the body. Worn IWB, the Enigma is the first carry method that consistently delivers on the promise of deep concealment, even under gym shorts and yoga pants while also offering security and relatively quick access to the firearm.

Phlster’s invention is a testament to the power of community. There’s a “concealment workshop” Facebook group that was launched by Enigma’s creators. Though it’s not limited to discussion of that holster, the Enigma is the center of discussion in this curated, educational online community. Thanks to their own in-house research as well as careful attention to thousands of user-submitted photos and comments, Enigma creators Sarah and Jon Hauptman of Minnesota have established a rather impressive body of written knowledge about how IWB holsters tend to interact with nearly every body type and lifestyle. Their Facebook group features in-depth discussion about customizing the Enigma, and in some cases other IWB holsters, with various angles or accessories to ensure comfort and true concealment. The Enigma is priced just south of $200 for a shell/body belt combo; less if one supplies the holster component.

Appearances indicate Phlster the company is scaling in accordance with growing demand. Production and delivery times are no longer slower than those of large corporate holster producers. Their down-toearth approach to marketing is a model that’s being embraced by a consumer base that could well be tiring of “influencer” or other de-personalized messages associated with consumer education and sales.

(phlsterholsters.com)

Delivering Hard-to-Find Fit Also on the holster front, Kinetic Concealment is solving the frequent problem of not being able to find a custom Kydex fit for many guns. The Tennessee company has concealment holsters for a wide range of handguns, most recently including the American Tactical FXS-9, a striker-fired 9mm imported from Turkey. The Kinetic Concealment Hybrid IWB holster features a patented, neoprene-backed leather-and-Kydex combination. They use Chicago Style flat head screws so that the cants can be easily adjusted and the Kydex shell can be tightened down after continued use. These holsters fit most any gun belt 2 inches wide or less. The Concealment Hybrid IWB is priced at $65.95. The company also carries the KC Baby, an appendix IWB hybrid for $52.95.

(kineticconcealment.com)

Popular Options in One Package DeSantis Gunhide, based in New York, has been in the holster business for nearly 50 years. These days, they deal in numerous materials in addition to hides. The company’s newest concealment holster is called

Uni-Tuk. It’s an extension of the company’s customfitting Kydex line called Pegasus. It integrates numerous in-demand features, including a breathable, padded synthetic/fabric sweat shield against the body when worn inside the waistband. Its shirt-tuckable belt clip can be rotated for any angle of carry as well as adjusted for height. Its “Spur,” the DeSantis term for the increasingly popular “claw” extension on some other IWB models, helps to level the gun and enhance concealment for many body types. The UniTuk is made for any Glock 43, Sig Sauer P365, and Springfield Armory Hellcat guns. It is optics-friendly. Right- and left-hand fits are available. SRP: $89.99.

(desantisholster.com)

Beyond Optics The folks at Warne Scope Mounts are also EDC people. So, it’s not much of a stretch, though the brand may be a surprise, to learn that there’s a new line of Warne EDC gear. Their flagship concealment holster is the Hybrid IWB, with a Kydex outer shell and

comfortable fabric sweat guard. Its Kydex is custommolded for a positive click-in. There are fits for numerous popular subcompacts/micros, including the S&W J-frame revolver. Right now, Warne Hybrid IWB holsters are available only through Optics Planet and Midway USA. SRP: $85.

(warnescopemounts.com)

Innovative EDC Today’s EDC aficionado is likely to carry more than just a gun and holster. Daily carry is more likely to bring to mind a personal rescue system comprised of gear and training. Many consider a fixed-blade knife a necessary component of the EDC package.

A new producer, STA Blades, has made a quiet but impressive entrance out of a homebased forge in Texas. Once a rep for H&K’s and Leupold’s military sales, former Marine Scout sniper Jerod Johnson, STA Blades’ founder and bladesmith, is no stranger to the gun industry. His latest inventions, STA Blades, include the hand-crafted Stabby, appropriate for EDC. It has 80CRV2 steel blades and hand-tooled, individually colored G10 handles that can be made to order.

Johnson pairs each blade with another inhouse creation—a matching, felt-lined Kydex sheath. The only outsourced aspect of production is the STA logo on each blade. Each STA blade is paired with a credit card-size aluminum certificate of authenticity, required to utilize the lifetime warranty. Facebook is the primary promotional outlet for this prolific, one-man startup. A one-of-a-kind STA knife starts around $150.

(facebook.com/stablades)

Bagging a Winner Events of the last two years haven’t slowed American Tactical, Inc. (formerly American Tactical Imports) down. Not only has the company ramped up its own, U.S.-based firearm production, they also launched their own ammo brand and took on the role as the U.S. distributor of Rukx Gear, a line of gun-oriented packs.

The latest release from the Rukx brand is the American Tactical Business Bag, a messengerstyle bag suited for urban use on the outside. Inside, it’s ready for tactical business with a universal nylon holster to fit most full-size and compact handguns in the hidden gun compartment. The bag has a padded laptop sleeve that holds up to a 16-inch display. There’s a bevy of external and internal organization-enhancing pockets and slots, and an ID/business card display sleeve on the back. Hidden just under the flap is plenty of small-item storage plus enough loop material to discreetly carry a good supply of morale patches. The nylon webbing shoulder strap is adjustable. A heavy-duty, rustproof zipper secures the main compartment. The Discrete Business Bag/ American Tactical Business Bag is offered in tan, gray, and black. SRP: $69.95.

(americantactical.us)

THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING CUSTOMER BASE

According to the annual concealedcarry data roundup published in October 2021 by Crime Prevention Research Center, concealed-carry licensure in the United States saw a 48-percent increase between 2016 and 2021. True participation in carry by civilians is surely much greater because, as the same report explains, permit-less carry states are also on the increase, and data from those 21 states is not, or is no longer, included in their reports. Several other sources cite record numbers of brand-new gun owners. Women represent the greatest subsegment of first-time gun owners, and racial minorities are not such a minority anymore in the national community of gun ownership. There’s never been a time like the present to serve the market with new products to help new and old gun owners alike embrace the armed lifestyle.