RECOIL CONCEALMENT Issue 7 2017 by Vadim Koval

WHY YOU DON’T HAVE A WEAK SIDE THE MODERN-DAY COACH GUN WHAT HAPPENED TO NATIONAL RECIPROCITY? CONCEALMENT FURNITURE AND DÉCOR THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING TESTING THE ALLY ONE BODY ARMOR

RECOILWEB.COM

ISSUE 7

THE PERFECT TRAVELING COMPANION?

PG. 50

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES 20

THE PROFESSIONALS It’s Not Always Ideal

FOUR WAY FORAY A RECOIL Grudge Match Inspired By The Military’s MHS Selection

ARMORING EVERYTHING OK, Not Everything

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING The Reasons Go Far Beyond Politics

SIG’S CIVILIAN-LEGAL SHORTY The MPX K Might Be a Perfect Traveling Partner

THE MODERN-DAY COACH GUN Ideas for the Everyday Carbine

YOU HAVE NO WEAK SIDE Jocked-Up or Dressed Down, There’s More to Ambidextrous Gunfighting Than Just Switching Hands

28 36

ARKANSAS HEIRLOOM Wilson’s Compact EDC X9

GREAT CARRY GUN, OR GREATEST CARRY GUN? The CZ P-10C — Not the Pistol We Need, But the Pistol We Deserve

NATIONAL RECIPROCITY A Forgotten Cause?

100 CAN YOU SPOT THE GUN? Bolster Your Home Defense Plan With Concealment Décor and Furniture

DEPARTMENTS 8

ON THE COVER

EDITOR’S LETTER

UNCOVERED

OPTIONS

106 GOING HOT 66 82

FIREARM SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY CONCEALMENT reminds you to be safe and always obey firearms safety rules: 1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. 2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. 4. Be aware of your target’s foreground and background. All contents in CONCEALMENT are professionally photographed in a closed studio or range. Do not attempt to recreate any photographs depicted in this magazine.

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER

Prices and details for products and services featured in CONCEALMENT are set by the manufacturers, retailers, and agencies, and are subject to change without notice.

100

Throughout this issue you will see certain images are labeled as being 1:1 Actual Size. This designation is for the print edition of this issue. Because of the various screen sizes on different tablets and computers, we cannot always provide actual life size images in digital versions. We apologize if this causes any confusion and thank you for your understanding.

106

™

THE RUGER AMERICAN PISTOL IS DESIGNED WITH THE TOUGHEST STANDARDS IN MIND. ®

Short Takeup Trigger with Positive Reset

Anything Else Would Be Un-American.

™

Designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind, the Ruger American Pistol is built to perform in the harshest conditions. A true American innovation, this pistol was developed through a rigorous “Voice of the Customer” process – where numerous law enforcement and military trainers, ﬁrearms experts,

Recoil-Reducing Barrel Cam, Low Mass Slide, Low Center of Gravity and Low Bore Axis

distributors and retailers provided input, feedback and testing in the determination of the form, function and features of this ﬁrearm. The resultant new pistol is a revolutionary platform for Ruger, one that utilizes the combination of a recoil-reducing barrel cam (which is designed to better spread recoil energy over time) with a low mass slide, low center of gravity and a low bore axis to provide an unparalleled shooting experience.

Genuine Novak ® LoMount Carry Three-Dot Sights

Modular Wrap-Around Grip System for Adjusting Palm Swell and Trigger Reach

Safe, Easy Takedown with No Tools or Trigger Pull Required

Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Manual Safety and Magazine Release Allow Actuation with Either Hand (Pro Models Come without External Safety)

Complete Your Ruger American Pistol® with the Ofﬁcially Licensed Blade-Tech® Total Eclipse Holster at Your Local Retailer or Online at ShopRuger.com

BUILT TO PERFORM IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS.

RUGER.COM/AMERICANPISTOL

010317

COVER PHOTO BY STRAIGHT 8

ON THE COVER

KNIFE

MAKE: FirstEdge MODEL: HR-1 Fighting Knife MSRP: $130 URL: www.firstedgeusa.com

AMMO

MAKE: SIG SAUER MODEL: 9mm, 124-grain

Elite V-Crown JHP MSRP: $19 URL: www.sigsauer.com

SUPPRESSOR

MAKE: SureFire MODEL: SF Ryder 9M-Ti MSRP: $999 URL: www.surefire.com

WATCH

MAKE: Brazen Sports MODEL: Military Tactical Chronograph MSRP: $850 URL: www.brazensports.com

LIGHT

MAKE: PK Design Lab MODEL: Rocket PK-PRX-BK MSRP: $150 URL: www.pkdesignlab.com

GUN

MAKE: SIG SAUER MODEL: MPX K PSB MSRP: $2,162 URL: www.sigsauer.com

OPTIC

MAKE: SIG SAUER MODEL: ROMEO7 MSRP: $360 URL: www.sigsauer.com

7 1

EDITOR’S LETTER

Let’s face it, as Americans, we spend more time in our cars than most

There are a number of ways to delay the theft of your firearm

of us might like. Although our love affair with the automobile is still

(like all physical security, it’s there to slow down, rather than stop

alive, it’s way past the heady rush of a first encounter and more akin to

a thief), and we’ll take a look at some of them in upcoming issues.

that of an older couple who’ll bicker a lot, but put up with one another

In the meantime, should you choose to augment your personal

for the sake of familiarity. Like birthdays and holidays, there are a few

security with some heavier ordnance in your vehicle, once you’ve

bright spots, but as anyone who’s spent time in L.A. traffic will tell

picked a potential long-gun, cast a critical eye over your setup.

you, the honeymoon is over. Because so many of us spend so many

Will it conceal within the confines of your trunk, bed, or cab? Can

hours trapped in our vehicles, in this edition of CONCEALMENT, we

you make it harder to carry off? Are there any decoy items you can

examine the concept of the modern coach gun, and test one product

place between an entry point and the gun itself, so a thief will grab

that might just fit the role.

those and not your carbine?

While four-wheeled transport has its drawbacks, it’s still

Packing a long-gun, or a rifle-caliber pistol, might not be

usually better than resorting to the Greyhound of the skies. So

for everyone, but then neither is a CCW. Both require thought,

until someone comes up with a superior alternative, I’ll continue

consideration, and the assumption of responsibilities over and

packing a carbine in the trunk on cross-country trips. As

above the minimum required to function in today’s society. Which

contributor Matt Jacques points out, it’s worthwhile investing the

sums up the CONCEALMENT mindset nicely.

effort to make your vehicular armament as secure, unobtrusive, low-key, and unappealing as possible. Quite apart from the frustration of having your personal property stolen by some dirtbag, there’s a moral dimension as well. Do you really want it on your conscience that you inadvertently armed a member of the criminal fraternity?

Speed Scabbard

MSRP

77 99

Style 002

QUICK SNAP $53 99 ®

Style 027

• Made from premium tan or black saddle leather • Snap on belt loop for easy on & off belt • Detail molded for exact À UHDUP • Excellent choice for woman

• Premium saddle leather • Optimum draw angle • Firearm retention & highly concealable • Some models with 2 belt slots &/or without tension device

INTIMIDATOR $42 99 2.0 MSRP

Style 138

• Compact & lightweight • Precision-molded Kydex® holster • Leather & synthetic back

MSRP

Slim-Tuk

™

MSRP

3999

Style 137

• Precision molded from Kydex® • Tuckable 360™ C-Clip affords unlimited mounting options • Features a rugged nylon clip • Ambidextrous

Tuckable™ 360

DeSantis didn’t invent concealment, we just perfected it!

800-GUNHIDE

631-841-6300

Dept. #CM72 431 Bayview Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701

www.desantisholster.com

Now Available For

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AFTER A SELF-DEFENSE INCIDENT, LAWYERS COULD TAKE MONTHS TO SCRUTINIZE DECISIONS YOU HAD TO MAKE IN MILLISECONDS. THAT’S WHY YOUR TRAINING IS SO IMPORTANT. America’s most complete self-defense insurance program and training for those who carry a gun. SIGN UP OR LEARN MORE

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UNCOVERED

1 Dirt simple, dirt cheap, and made by guys who unlocked the code for superdurable polymer firearm accessories years ago, Magpul’s magwells for Glocks are a solid choice when you want to increase reload speeds without turning your carry gun into a giant, print-happy race gun. The geometry helps line the mag up and bring it home during stressful reloads and isn’t so deep that you can’t grasp a baseplate to rip the mag out, should you need to. At press time, Magpul announced availability of its magwell for Gen3, fullsize Glocks — models to fit compact Gen3 and full and compact Gen4 models can’t be far behind. MAKE

Magpul

2 Perhaps you can be someone’s humor

3 There are numerous mag loaders on the market, and most of your plastic fantastic pistols probably come with their own. What makes the ETS CAM Loader a bit different is the way it allows you to fill magazines directly from the box. Well, assuming you have a nice Styrofoam or plastic grid insert and not a pile of rounds. You can load 10 rounds at a time, though we found multiples of five to be easier. ETS tells us that the CAM Loader will work with nearly all 9mm and .40-caliber magazines — a tall order indeed.

hero today. Somewhere, there’s a mother folding her grown son’s laundry in dire need of a laugh; a coworker reaching under the table for a dropped pen in the longest meeting ever; a new airline travel friend to impress with the perfect punctuation for your conversation about Confucius life lessons. Lo, here in BlueQ’s vault of foot laden, fully concealed wisdom, we’ve found a trove of ways you can discreetly display a bit of inappropriate motivation and suggest to those around you ways to take life’s ball kicks in stride. This is but one of many examples and we bid you explore BlueQ’s online shop for others.

MAKE

ETS Group MODEL

MAKE

4 The Discreet Rifle Bag is the result of a team-up between Q and Blue Force Gear that produced a simple-looking, modular rifle case, complete with expandable organization based on BFG’s line of Velcro storage accessories. The loop-lined interior can be set up to securely hold a rifle, can, spare mags, and whatever else you might want to have on hand using the utility pouch and Velcro-backed PALS field. There’s a comfortable, rubber-covered carry handle, adjustable shoulder strap (based on the design of their Vickers rifle sling), ample padding, and styling that might lead observers to think there’s anything but a rifle in the bag. Made in the USA.

MODEL

BlueQ

CAM Loader

GL Enhanced Magazine Well for Gen3 Glocks

MODEL

MSRP

Take No S--t, Give No F--ks Socks

$50

FITS

URL

Gen3 G17, G17L, G22, G24, G31, G34, G35, G37

Men’s shoe sizes 7-12 MATERIALS

32 by 12 by 2.5 inches

COLOR

58% combed cotton; 40% nylon; 2% spandex.

Blue, Pink

Black MSRP

$25 URL

www.magpul.com

MAKE

Q MODEL

D-Bag

etsgroup.us

DIMENSIONS COLORS

MSRP

$12

$190

URL

www.blueq.com

URL

liveqordie.com

*OFFENDING VOWELS OBSCURED TO PRESERVE YOUR

INNOCENCE.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

5 Steel targets and pistols are the peas and carrots of firearms training; however, there are severe limitations when it comes to ECQB work. We heartily recommend you keep your distance when using regular ammo, but we’ve used Hevi-Shot’s new 100-grain 9mm bullets to within a couple of inches of the target, with no ill effects. Best of all, they’ve managed to keep the price within spitting distance of ball ammo, so go ahead and practice to your heart’s content. MAKE

Hevi-Shot MODEL

9mm Frangible Ammo MSRP

$16 / 50 rounds

6 Subcompact, self-defense guns are no-frills affairs. Ankle guns need to go off when the trigger’s pulled and send bullets where you want them to go. Past reliability and basic accuracy, people seem willing to put up with all kinds of stuff they wouldn’t with a bigger pistol — coarse sights, gritty 40-pound triggers, tiny grips, smaller calibers, and limited magazine capacity. S&W bestowed an adequate mag release on the M&P Shield, and the guys at Advanced Holster decided to improve the stubby little thing with a bigger, textured part that makes mag changes a bit easier when you’ve got bigger problems to deal with. It’s machined from steel bar stock, melonite finished.

7 Laying eyes on Grey Ghost’s waxed canvas bags, we’ve found a bespoke alternative for everyday carry that offers discretion and true concealed carry features while transcending the elementary school book bag aesthetic. Beneath its waterproof exterior, there’s an assortment of fast-access pockets and sleeves — some featuring sheer fabric for easy identification of the contents. The canvas fabric itself will wear-in, creating a oneof-a-kind look and feel that nylon can’t replicate. The bag has a main strap made of seatbelt webbing and features a large, divided main pocket with zippered sub pockets, along with exterior end pockets that’ll stow AR mags, water bottles, or a small blowout kit. The exterior up-front pockets can be accessed with a dropdown panel. There’s more storage inside the main flap and a zipper-accessed, internally gusseted, Velcro-lined pocket on the back that’s big enough to carry any pistol and spare mag setup out there.

MAKE

URL

Advanced Holster

www.hevishot.com

MODEL

Enhanced Carry Magazine Release FITS

Smith & Wesson M&P 9/40/45 Shield MSRP

$30

8 Even if you’re not a candidate for a traditional medical alert device, we can imagine quite a few traumatic situations where a tag relaying vital identification and medical information would speed treatment and notification. Participating in any shooting activity, adrenaline sport, or rolling a rental car on a business trip (also an adrenaline sport …), life can take you by the nads. And this little, rustproof titanium beauty can help you keep your nads, even if you’re blacked out. The Crashtag weighs less than a wish and is etched on one side with whatever vital info you’d like; the other side gives you a canvas to display some personality. Choose from whatever designs Crashtag has on tap, or work with them (as we did) to make batches of tags with custom artwork. The QR code will take the reader to a custom, free website with room for more that might not fit on the tag itself. There are a couple models — one with a bottle opener, and a smaller, sadder one without.

URL

MAKE

advancedholster.com

Grey Ghost Gear

Elevengear

MODEL

Wanderer Messenger Bag

Crashtag

MATERIALS

WEIGHT

Waxed Canvas

Less than a few French fries

DIMENSIONS

MATERIALS

20.5 by 11.5 by 4.5 inches

Al6V4 Titanium

COLORS

ACCESSORY

Black, Charcoal, Coyote, Olive

Cable with Magnetic Clasp, Ball Chain, or Threaded Cable Lock (for attaching to gear)

MSRP

$235

MSRP

URL

$30

greyghostgear.com

URL

www.crashtag.me

8 7

6 1

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R E C O I LW E B . C O M

IT’S NOT ALWAYS IDEAL STORY BY DAVE MERRILL

the legal ability to cart around a

Of course and as usual, we have

derivative at times. “Everyone

firearm everywhere they go. For

assorted backgrounds in play, along

has a dick and a Glock 19” is

those living in these CCW deserts,

with dissimilar body shapes and

the general rule of published

what you carry every day is still of

sizes. Whether you’re hobbit-height like

EDC loadouts across America.

great importance. Perhaps you live

Alexander Crown or a Kryptek-covered

While today we’re once again

under similar legal encumbrances

beast like Jim Erwin, we’re positive

highlighting some firearms industry

— if you do we’d love to hear how

you’ll find some wisdom in their choices

professionals, not all of them have

you deal with it for yourself.

that’ll apply to your situation. C

We admit this column seems

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

ALEXANDER CROWN ORGANIZATION: Gemtech POSITION: Marketing Director

EDC ITEMS:

PHILOSOPHY ON EDC ITEMS:

Browning Hi Power Ted Yost Custom SRT w/Spare Mag

I like to carry this Hi Power when an event calls for something a little fancier than a Glock 19. Ted Yost is renowned for his craftsmanship on 1911s and his work on Hi Powers is equally phenomenal. Every piece is honed and crafted for reliability and accuracy. The VZ Grips add a modern touch. The Spyderco Endura 4 has been around for a long time. I find it to be a great blend of affordability, blade size/design, and thickness, which makes it ideal for EDC. The Streamlight ProTac series is another proven line. The updated models that can take either CR123 or AA give me some peace of mind, I won’t have to search for a CR123 in the event of a dead battery. Plus if I lose it, it doesn’t break the bank. The Omega Speedmaster is a timeless watch that doesn’t scream tactical. Mine is the reduced model so it fits better on my small wrist. The chronograph can be very handy in the event that my cell phone isn’t working. A mechanical watch requires no batteries and can keep excellent time, as long as you continue to wear it regularly. I carry a bandanna in my back pocket every day. We all know the variety of uses — both everyday normal stuff like wiping snot off my daughter’s nose to combining this with a flashlight for a makeshift tourniquet. I choose bright colors to help with visual cues in the event of an emergency. I like to be prepared in my day-to-day activities without having everyone I encounter know that I’m armed. I rarely wear firearms-related clothing and try to dress to not attract anyone’s attention. The items I carry are secondary to my knowledge, proficiency, and attitude.

SpyderCo Endura 4

URL: www.gemtech.com

Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA

MILITARY/LE EXPERIENCE: U.S. Army Airborne Infantry

Bandanna

Omega Speedmaster

HIGHEST MILITARY/LEO RANK: Sergeant

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

THE PROFESSIONALS

JIM “THE KRACKEN” ERWIN ORGANIZATION: Team Kraken POSITION: Head Firearms Trainer

EDC ITEMS: Glock 19 Benchmade barrage

URL: www.krakenultimus.com

Wallet

MILITARY/LE EXPERIENCE: 11 years Army Special Operations

Tourniquet

HIGHEST MILITARY/LEO RANK: Staff Sergeant SURVIVAL/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BACKGROUND: Over the past 25-plus years, serving in the military, protecting people all over the world, and firearms training

Challenge coin

Wristwatch

PHILOSOPHY ON EDC ITEMS: I have several pistols in different calibers and brands. The one I tend to carry the most is my G19 built by MCM Firearms with a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. I’ve found that as I get older, my eyes pick up the red-dot quicker than traditional iron sights. Don’t get me wrong, I still use and train with iron sights. I’ve just chosen to use this setup for everyday carry. I believe being able to use both red-dot and iron sights is a good skillset to have. I chose not to show a holster. I use several brands, and different configurations; I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to holsters, and I’m always trying out new ones. I bounce back and forth from waist carry to appendix carry, depending on what I’m doing on particular day. Once I choose, I practice some draws from that configuration to put it to memory for the day. I’ve been carrying a Benchmade knife since 1997 and managed to collect several along the way. This is my latest one, the Barrage with G10 grips. It’s always handy to have a knife. Next to that I carry a Sharpie. Why? In celebrity protection, they get asked for autographs quite a bit, so I always have one on hand. It also is a great escalation of force tool. Blunt and sturdy — when applied to the correct locations, it’s a solid attitude adjuster. The wallet was a gift from my friends at Freedom Hill Gear and in my favorite color, Kryptek. Inside the wallet is the hostage escape card from

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

Readyman.com. The guys over there are Special Operations veterans and know their sh*t. They have all kinds of awesome gear for every day carry and survival. They designed the tourniquet I carry as well. A tourniquet is a small, easy-to-carry life-saving piece of equipment and worth its weight in gold in a nasty situation Challenge coin: So I don’t get caught holding the bar tab when I’m on the road. I love watches. You can use a watch as a fast way to get money all around the world. If you’re low on funds and need to get out of dodge, sell it. I never want to be light, late, or out of uniform. A good watch helps ensure I’m at least on time. Digital: Rockwell Coliseum in Kryptek Typhon. Mechanical: Rockwell 50MM Round. Flashlight by Inforce: It’s light, durable, and stupid bright. If I lose it, I’m not going to need a loan to get another one. A flashlight is priceless in the protection business and easily used as a weapon to temporarily blind someone or to identify a potential threat in a low-light situation. I’ve found survival and emergency preparedness to be a mindset and lifestyle. You choose how you leave your house everyday and the tools you take with you. I wear a smile and am courteous to everyone I meet, but this doesn’t mean I’m not ready for bad things to happen and prepared to defend and protect myself as well as those around me.

KRISTIE O’MALLEY ORGANIZATION: Fusion Networks Corporation POSITION: Director of OEM Relations URL: @misss_kristie_o MILITARY/LE EXPERIENCE: Deputy Sheriff, 6 years; police officer, 12 years

EDC ITEMS: Glock 43 customized by Taran Tactical Innovations Benchmade folder LAG Tactical holster Window punch Surefire P2X Fury Tactical ASP Airweight Friction Loc Expandable baton with ceramic pins Rolex Submariner watch

PHILOSOPHY ON EDC ITEMS: With the Ready to Carry package from Taran Tactical Innovations on this Glock 43, it makes for a perfect EDC. It features grip stipple only where you need it, to avoid rubbing on clothing or skin, upgraded fiber-optic sights, and a crisp 5-pound carry trigger, all with the reliability and function of a Glock. The TTI basepad adds an extra two rounds to the standard Glock 43 magazine. The Mini Auto-Stryker folder is under 4.5 inches when closed and is incredibly lightweight. It has a clip to easily secure to my pants pocket for quick access. When I worked patrol as a police officer, I clipped it to the neckline of my body armor. This location was perfect for my own easy access to it, but not for a combative suspect to try and take away. I keep a 5.25-inch spring-loaded window punch on my keychain. This is in anticipation of either being in an auto collision, or rolling up on one, where opening the door isn’t an option. I have also used it to break glass on the windows of cars when people leave their pets or baby inside a hot car in the summertime. Sometimes, there’s no time to wait 5, 10, or 20 minutes for the police or fire department to respond to these potentially fatal heatrelated incidents, where time is everything. The Fury flashlight packs in 600 lumens in a very small, portable package under 5 ½ inches. I usually keep mine in my purse, and I have another one in the center

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

console of my vehicle. One of my Furies had been my backup light as a patrol officer, and was definitely used and abused. It had been dropped on asphalt from waist level, rained on, extreme heat, etc., and still continues to perform as it did fresh out of the box. This collapsible baton is extremely light, made of 7075 aluminum tubing, and almost half as light as other collapsible batons. I keep one in my purse and one in the side door panel of my vehicle as my first choice for a less than lethal option if the situation dictates. This ASP also has three ceramic pins on the top cap (with a leverage cap covering them when not in use) for an easy glass break tool. This watch represents hard work, and nothing more. I saved for years to buy it. People think I am nuts to wear it all the time. I wear it to the range, horseback riding, everywhere. It was meant to be worn, not kept in a safe. The Rolex Submariner is a classic, tried-and-true workhorse. While I may have a few scratches and dings on it, they are just a mark of my many adventures. I am strong and confident. I walk with purpose and pride, with complete awareness of my surroundings rather than having my head buried in my phone, as so many people do. I won’t be victimized or stand by idly while innocent people are hurt. I am not out looking for a fight, but if one should find me, I’ll be ready.

THE PROFESSIONALS

ERIK LUND ORGANIZATION: Federal Law Enforcement POSITION: Special Agent

EDC ITEMS: FNS 9mm pistol with two spare magazines SOG Kiku large folder knife Klarus XT2C flashlight Small medical kit Cellular phone

PHILOSOPHY ON EDC ITEMS: I choose to carry a firearm on a daily basis for protection because I accept the fact that there’s evil in the world. I also accept the fact that regardless of how good a life I choose to lead, one day, evil will find and confront me. An unarmed man, possessing no self-protection skill sets, can only beg mercy from evil — and evil by its very definition is not merciful. I choose to resist evil, not beg mercy from it. Aside from the obvious benefits of having a knife for protective use and everyday tasks, many practitioners of self-preparedness overlook the use of a folding knife as an intermediate striking implement. While features such as blade length, blade shape, grip, and locking mechanisms are important, one aspect I consider when selecting a knife for EDC is ensuring that when in the closed position, the knife is of such a length that it slightly extends past my palm on either side when placed flat across my palm. This extra length allows me to grasp the knife within my fist, and with the knife in the closed position, have a small section of the unopened knife’s body extend past either side of the fist. This provides an excellent metallic striking area for use in all manner of combative strikes. The current philosophy goes that if you carry a firearm you need to have a light. I completely agree. Positive identification of a potential threat is a non-negotiable requirement prior to a use of force against a threat. Additionally, my experience has shown that I use a flashlight for

C O N C E A L M E N T

so many little everyday tasks that I’ve taken to carrying two lights so that I don’t burn out the batteries in my primary light on menial tasks. I choose to carry a small medical kit, because, in life, things go wrong. On several occasions I’ve driven up on severe car crashes, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel, where people needed immediate medical attention. This kit and another larger medical kit kept in my vehicle helped me to render aid until EMS crews arrived. This small kit has everything from simple comfort gear like Advil, Rolaids, and hand cleaner to more advanced medical items for serious traumatic injuries. This kit is always with me in my car or in my sling pack when I’m away from my vehicle. In this day and age of technology, there’s no valid reason not to have some method of communication on your person at all times. Having the ability to communicate, either to render assistance for others or to bring assistance for yourself is of the utmost importance. Life is unpredictable, and very often bad things happen to good people. I choose to carry these items with me on a daily basis to confront evil when it finds me and to combat life’s unpredictable nature. These items bring me peace of mind and confidence that irrespective of the difficulties that life brings to my door, on some level I’m prepared to deal with them; that I’m up to the challenge of being a provider and a protector to my family and friends.

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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Standard .38 Special Load

THE PROFESSIONALS

GREGORY WONG ORGANIZATION: Spartan117GW POSITION: Content Creator

EDC ITEMS: Kinetic Development Group Aimpoint Tool SOG Trident

URL: youtube.com/SPARTAN117GW

USGI Gerber Multitool

MILITARY/LE EXPERIENCE: U.S. Army (Airborne)

LBT wallet

HIGHEST MILITARY/LEO RANK: Sergeant SURVIVAL/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BACKGROUND: Most of my knowledge in this area comes from the U.S. Army. The army teaches a lot of basics for outdoor living, and you learn pretty quick what kind of things you need.

MSM Tomahawk Light

82nd Airborne challenge coin

PHILOSOPHY ON EDC ITEMS: The KDG Aimpoint tool is a minimalist piece of gear that can go on my keys and perform multiple tasks without the use of a more extensive tool. It has an Aimpoint tool as well as a large flat head for basic tasks. The cut in the middle is made for M-LOK as well. Every paratrooper needs a good blade. I’ve had the SOG Trident since 2012 when I was at Fort Bragg, and it was among the most important things I carried and still carry to this day. One of the best pieces of gear every GI is issued these days is a Gerber Multitool. Chances are if you were in the army within the last decade you were issued one and it didn’t leave your side during duty hours. The issued model isn’t the most high-speed tool available, but it was dependable and came in handy when last-minute tasks came down from the unit. I still carry it to this day due to its versatility and durability. The Mil-Spec Monkey Tomahawk Light comes

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

in a familiar shape similar to the old-school USGI flashlight. It has several modes and offers a good amount of flexibility. There’s also a special mount that works with plate carriers. The LBT wallet is a nice, sleek way to carry my cash and cards. I also carry my 82nd Airborne challenge coin that I received when I was a private in the army. Never go to the bar without it. I am all about functionality. From the Jeep that I drive to the tools I carry every day, I like having equipment that can accomplish multiple tasks. Durability is big to me, and items in my EDC are all things that have gotten me out of a jam on more than one occasion. One item I wish I had access to would be a CCW in L.A. County. It’s no secret California gun laws are strict and obtaining a CCW for the concrete jungle is near impossible. So while I have guns at home, unfortunately none are part of an actual EDC.

OPTIONS

3 4

MAKE

Alien Gear Holsters

Bravo Concealment

High Threat Concealment

KCarry

MODEL

Shape Shift Starter Kit

DOS Torsion Holster

Glock XC1 EVO Holster

Holster

FITS

Popular Glocks, Ruger LC and SRs, S&W M&P Shields, Springfield XDs, and Taurus Millennium G2s

Glocks, SIG P320s (without RMRs), S&W M&P compacts

Glocks

Universal, ideally subcompact .380 and smaller

MSRP

$130

$95

MSRP

$70

FURTHER

$100

FURTHER

highthreatconcealment.com

www.kcarryholsters.com

FURTHER

www.bravoconcealment.com

NOTES

www.aliengearholsters.com

NOTES

DOS stands for Drop Out of Sight, and a pistol worn in the slim DOS Torsion holster does just that. We found the holster hid well and rode comfortably at 4 o’clock, but it seems optimized for appendix carry. Its focused design keeps things small and light. As a result, the rig is quite comfortable. It’s worn as a tuckable holster using a single belt clip strut; for added stability you can add a second belt clip, but in doing so you give up the ability to tuck in a shirt. The shape of the Kydex body tucks the grip of the pistol into your waist, aiding concealment, and our Glock 19 doesn’t print at all under a T-shirt. The only adjustment on the holster is for ride height, which is fine by us. Keeping it simple provides a robust holster that’s easy to get off and on. One downside, it’s only available for righties.

The EVO holster is a light-bearing, user-configurable rig that can be set up for OWB, IWB, and AIWB carry with the included bag o’ parts and a screwdriver. Conversion is straightforward, as are the adjustments. Cant angle and ride height are set with the hardware placement. Pistol retention is provided by the trigger guard, so the holster works with or without the light attached. Retention is adjustable with a screw. The kit comes with belt loops and a wide clip (shown) for either 1.5- or 1.75-inch belt loops; tuckable struts for IWB carry can be added for a few bucks. Carrying a Glock 19 in AIWB mode, we found the wide belt clip offered a good stability with the added convenience of not having to take off a belt to get the holster off or on. The footprint is a little large for an AIWB, being a wider to accommodate the OWB wings, but we didn’t find the wings dug into flesh when seated.

Clearly designed to give the fairer sex options when it comes to carrying in dresses or hiphugging apparel, the KCarry also works well as a low-profile shoulder rig for dudes. The support material is some kind of super-soft, Velcro-backed, velour-ish fabric that’s secured around the torso. The shoulder straps are the same, soft material running over the shoulders and are adjusted with simple double D-rings. The holster is a wide, stretch fabric that encloses the trigger guard and uses a Velcro strap to provide retention. A D-ring on the end of the retention strap offers a tactile landmark so you can pull the strap and free your pistol with relative ease. The holster and retention strap provide wide compatibility, but be aware that clearing the retention strap complicates your draw and requires practice for proficiency under pressure. The pistol tucks under the armpit on one side, and the other side features a sleeve for an extra mag. We found the rig was comfortable and secure when carrying a Remington RM380, but our SIG P938, with more weight in the grip, sagged outward. It’s not an issue with the right cover garment, but don’t expect to wear KCarry with just a T-shirt or polo.

Easily the most adaptable holster we’ve seen, the Shape Shift system gives you four holster configurations you configure without tools. We’ll admit to a major head-scratching moment when we opened the box to find a bento box filled with polymer holster components. Our initial confusion faded as we put our man instincts aside and read the manual. Each of the configurations slide together positively and the parts are secured with polymer thumb nuts. You get an OWB, paddle, IWB, and an AIWB, that each on its own is secure and comfortable, if slightly more bulky, than their one-mission brethren. The system is well executed, comfortable, affordable, and not as complicated as it looks. It even allows for expanded firearm compatibility with the purchase of accessory shells made for several popular pistols. While we’re guessing the novelty of swapping carry options will fade eventually, the Shape Shift offers guys a way to sample a range of carry methods without going broke.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

STORY BY NICK SAITI PHOTOS BY IAIN HARRISON, KENDA LENSEIGNE, AND ROB CURTIS

Do you trust the government to make good decisions? Trust and government in the same sentence is definitely oxymoronic, but the sky is blue, and water is also wet. It’s frightening to think that major decisions depend on people who can’t determine what the meaning of the word “is” is. Which brings us to the government’s XM17 Modular Handgun System contract competition, or MHS for short. The M9, based on the Beretta 92FS, is at the end of its military service life, and the winner of the MHS (designated the M17 is to be its replacement). The story should end there, but there’s controversy, and the contract decision won’t go quietly into that good night. It’s hard to see anything through the fog of bureaucracy, and there are very few facts about the MHS contracting process out in the public record at this point. The controversy began when Glock USA issued a press release alleging the Army failed to perform the testing outlined in the government’s own request for proposal, or RFP in contracting parlance. Instead of focusing on which pistol performs best in testing, the claim is made that the Army simply went for the one that is cheapest.

FOUR WAY FORAY According to the 351-page

few tests and drills to see how they

military ones. We don't have the

solicitation, the XM17 had to adhere

stack up. We also threw in a Beretta

facilities to perform no-kidding, Mil-spec

to a multitude of requirements.

92 to see how it fared against the

environmental testing. We also don't

An integrated rail for accessories,

new kids on the block.

have the budget to buy 100,000 rounds

external safeties, and adjustable ergonomics were among the main characteristics for candidates. The

of ammunition in an effort to simulate a

THE TEST

government reliability or durability test. So, we’re cutting to the core and looking

Look. We aren’t the government. We

contenders were reportedly subjected

didn’t honcho a huge test and run an

at the pure shooting performance of

to 12,500 rounds of testing with most

multi-year procurement program. No,

these pistols.

(if not all) done on a mechanical rest.

we just took some pistols out to the

In the civilian market, marketing sells more guns than any testing ever

When testing basic shooting technique the same old drills always

range to satisfy our curiosity.

come up. The Bill Drill and the El

The actual MHS pistols are still

could. The company that wins the

under wraps, but we know there were

Presidente are two drills that go a long

contract can expect an influx of buyers

functional changes made in each

way in testing a gun’s shootability.

who want the gun that’s good enough

of the platforms to meet the Army’s

The bill drill shows how the gun

for our boys overseas. The problem is,

requirements. We’re as excited to

reacts in recoil. The El Prez has been

thanks to concerns raised by the MHS

get our hands on the actual MHS

so popular for so long that there are

contract runner up, we may not know

submissions as anyone; this article only

probably some cave drawings in Africa

if it’s the best performer.

gives us an idea how the civy models

diagramming the first time it was tried.

Since you and I can’t buy the

of these manufacturers’ submissions

actual MHS submission guns, we

fare when facing off in a set of shooter-

decided to pit the closest options

defined scenarios.

on the market (at press time) to the

Our testing parameters and

.mil guns against each other with a

procedures are simpler than the

C O N C E A L M E N T

No mud-slinging here. Our goal was to assess raw performance inherent to each respective design.

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

It goes a few steps further, adding target transitions, manipulation, and a reload. These really are exceptional drills as they’re not only tests of skill, but also fun and easy to set up.

Above: SIG and Glock both submitted bids to replace the legacy Beretta M9.

Consistency is the main concern with

the simplest form of marksmanship,

the 509 in hand, so problem solved. I

testing, and short simple drills work

yet is so difficult to master. Any

remember hearing something about a

well for this. For consistency’s sake,

inconsistency with trigger control

9mm in hand is worth two in the bush,

we used only one kind of ammunition

results in a target that looks like Swiss

but I don’t know what that means. We

for all shooting.

cheese rather than one ragged hole.

had to reach way back in the safe, past autographed pictures of Mel Gibson

Keeping with the theme of simplicity, our scoring is based on the hit factor system used in scoring

THE CANDIDATES There were rumored to be a dozen

and Bruce Willis to dig up a Beretta 92 to include in the mix. Let’s see how

companies that entered the MHS

these new plastic guns will stack up

hit factor shows how many points per

competition. We know for sure that

with the Italian masterpiece in the ring.

second are scored. The higher the

Glock and SIG had guns in the

Yippee ki-yay!

hit factor, the higher you are on the

competition, so we’ll use the Glock 17

podium. Groups were shot off a bench

and the SIG P320 as test surrogates.

at 20 yards to test the gun’s accuracy.

A third was either the Beretta APX or

It’s surprising how shooting a group is

the FN 509. We just happened to have

practical shooting competition. The

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

FOURTH PLACE It’s no surprise the Beretta had trouble keeping up with these young

BERETTA

GLOCK

SIG SAUER

MODEL:

92FS

509

17 Gen4

P320

CALIBER:

9x19mm

BARREL LENGTH:

4.9 inches

4 inches

4.49 inches

4.7 inches

OVERALL LENGTH:

8.5 inches

7.4 inches

7.87 inches

8 inches

WEIGHT:

33.3 ounces CAPACITY: 15+1 rounds

26.9 ounces CAPACITY: 17+1 rounds

25.06 ounces CAPACITY: 17+1 rounds

29.5 ounces CAPACITY: 17+1 rounds

MSRP:

$675

$649

$546

$679

URL:

www.berettausa.com/en-us/

www.fnamerica.com

us.glock.com

www.sigsauer.com

FOUR WAY FORAY whippersnappers. The Model 92 was

As soon as a new pistol arrives, the

gun to finish higher on the list; I just

designed in 1972, when the other

dry-firing begins. Before I even got

couldn’t get past the magazine button.

guns were just a twinkle in their

this one home, the magazine release

daddy’s eye. The U.S. Armed Forces

button fell out. Not a good sign —

adopted this Italian stallion in 1985

dropping a mag during a gunfight is

(by my calculations that’s, like, 200

like getting caught with your pants

fresh off the presses as the 509,

years ago). This is a product from

down in a court appearance. I finally

but it’s still considered new to the

another time and hasn’t been able

figured out how to put the button

neighborhood. The 320’s chassis

to keep up with the advances of

back in and carried on. It’s unclear if

system is a major selling point. The

the other contestants. The biggest

the button was defective or the way

ability to have multiple configurations

hindrance is the double-action trigger.

the mag fits in the gun just doesn’t

This unto itself isn’t a problem, but

sit right, but it caused more than one

when compared to striker-fired pistols

botched reload during testing. The

with almost half the trigger pull

509 has the slide length of a compact

weight, it just doesn’t make the grade.

gun, the grip length and magazine

You had your run, old friend, but now

capacity of a fullsize. This is a strong

it’s time to move over.

combination for a carry gun that doubles as a range companion. The

THIRD PLACE The FN 509 would’ve finished much higher, but there was an issue.

shorter barrel length didn’t have the expected result as it shot the tightest group of all guns tested. I wanted this

SECOND PLACE Granted, the SIG P320 isn't as

from one gun is something the others

Left: In the name of good sportsmanship, we made all the competing brands share a locker room. Below: The FN 509 breaks down as easily as any of its peers. Note the captured, dual-spring recoil system.

lack. There has been a renaissance of pistol ergonomics in the last few years, and the SIG has taken full advantage of the trend. The pistol fits the hand well. The fit, finish, and overall quality of the 320 is above all the others. The high bore axis is always a negative characteristic in my eyes. There are a few minuses for the SIG, but they don’t outweigh the pluses. Still, it’s just not enough to put it in first.

FOUR WAY FORAY FIRST PLACE

Being the established gun guy in

best, but the value of quality and

my circle, I always get the question,

performance cannot be overlooked.

fired pistols. The Glock 17 isn’t

“Which gun should I get?” My

The resulting numbers for the

the first polymer-framed gun but it

answer is always the same: “It

striker-fired guns were pretty close,

depends on what you want to do with

so I can honestly say that any one of

it.” It’s like asking, “What vehicle

these firearms would make a great

should I buy?” A Prius wouldn't be a

choice, but the Glock’s heritage and

good choice to pull a boat. Find the

ingenuity give it a slight edge

one that fits you and your purpose

in my book. C

It's the Michael Jordan of striker-

revolutionized the game. Surprisingly,

For better or worse, not all striker pistols are created equal. Performance breakdown is charted below.

the initial Glock design is almost as old as the Beretta, but in terms of ingenuity it definitely left the 1970s when it was born. The G17 is the lightest of all the guns tested but shoots almost as softly as the full steelframed Beretta. It isn’t the newest, the prettiest, or even the cheapest, but it just does everything well. The design of the gun is so simple that it’s practically genius. It has the fewest moving parts but still feels refined. It’s a design that’s outlasted its competitors and is still gaining popularity. There’s a reason more than 60 percent of all law enforcement agencies use them. Personally, I don’t care for Glocks, but I do own one. How many things in life can we say that about?

RESULTS One could argue that the MHS decision came down to price at the end, as it did for the Beretta M9 almost 30 years ago. There was a $100-million difference between the Glock and SIG MHS proposals. This number definitely changes my perspective on the military’s choice. We live in a cynical time where people know the price of everything, but the value of little. RESULTS

RESULTS

SIG SAUER

ACCURACY: 0.865-inch = 8 pts

ACCURACY: 0.847-inch = 9 pts

P320

509

92FS

FUNCTIONALITY: 10 pts

FUNCTIONALITY: 8 pts

FUNCTIONALITY: 10 pts

BILL DRILL: Time: 1.96 30 points 15.036 hit factor

BILL DRILL: Time: 2.39 29 points 12.134 hit factor

BILL DRILL: Time: 2.02 28 points 13.861 hit factor

BILL DRILL: Time: 2.42 29 points 11.983 hit factor

EL PRES: Time: 5.13 57 points 11.111 hit factor

EL PRES: Time: 5.15 54 points 10.485 hit factor

EL PRES: Time: 5.93 54 points 9.106 hit factor

EL PRES: Time: 5.61 58 points 10.338 hit factor

TOTAL POINTS: 44.147

TOTAL POINTS: 41.619

TOTAL POINTS: 40.967

TOTAL POINTS: 39.321

C O N C E A L M E N T

RESULTS

GLOCK

ACCURACY: 0.830-inch = 10 pts

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

BERETTA

ACCURACY: 1.056 inches = 7 pts

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OK, NOT EVERYTHING STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVID MERRILL

Most tend to think of armor in terms of military men and women overseas, stateside law enforcement, and maybe a smattering of King Arthur cosplayers — we won’t judge you. To be fair, walking down the street with an EOD bomb suit here in the continental United States is the opposite of the intent of this magazine (it is named CONCEALMENT, after all ... ). How about something that’s lightweight, portable, easily concealed, and actually offers some ballistic protection? Right up our alley. Today we’ll talk about just that — and it doesn’t even break the bank.

bob_bosewell/istockphoto.com

ARMORING EVERYTHING ENTER THE ALLY ONE FROM ANGEL ARMOR.

Easily fits into a sleeve meant for a 15-inch laptop.

Unfortunately it’s just a wee bit too

be better served with movement and

large to fit into a standard notebook,

the drawing of your own weapon for

but it’s pretty close. We could classify

the best response. However, there are

separator for a Trapper Keeper. In

the Ally One as semi-rigid; you can

several examples of people (especially

actuality, this plain-looking 10x13-

definitely bend and contort it, but not

historically in law enforcement)

inch panel conceals a 9x12-inch

easily. This attribute comes in handy

shielding themselves with clipboards

piece of armor offering NIJ level IIIA

later in the article.

and other items in their immediate

At first glance, it looks like a

vicinity. There’s nothing that prevents

protection. It also weighs under a pound and is only ¼-inch thick. The size of the Ally One makes it

WHY WOULD YOU WANT IT? There’s a good argument to be

suitable to stuff inside briefcases,

made that time spent lifting armor

clipboards, laptop bags — you

in front of your face and

name it.

vitals would

you from shielding yourself during your drawstroke. With that said, Will Petty, longtime law enforcement academy instructor and owner of Centrifuge

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

What better way to test armor than with a big ol’ box of murder?

Training, had this to say about using

it. If the determination is made that

an armored clipboard:

going for your gun is the best course

“The majority of law enforcement has moved to electronic ticket

of action, by all means do so. There are times when the carrying

writers, replacing the bigassed

of a weapon such as a concealed

clipboards. We just don’t carry them

pistol may be restricted. The rule

anymore. There are going to be times

of the day is to run away, but you

when the ability to effectively run

may as well have something that can

away and/or fight back are going to

protect your meaty bits between your

be severely limited, such as the case

body and the hot flying metal.

with your kids. All armor does is buy

We also found that the Ally One

time, and if something like this can

made for a decent internal frame for

give it — it’s a no brainer.”

smaller soft backpacks, giving them

Another law enforcement officer who does plainclothes work with

some more structure for carrying heavier loads.

narcotics explained to RECOIL that it wasn’t terribly uncommon to shove a hard plate or soft armor panel into

LET’S BREAK IT The Ally One’s NIJ Level IIIA rating

a bag or backpack. And the Ally One

will largely protect against threats

has a smaller footprint.

seen domestically. That is, pistol

Remember: just because you have it doesn’t mean that you have to use

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

calibers up to .44 Magnum and most shotgun loads. If you’re looking

ARMORING EVERYTHING for rifle protection, you’ll need something heavier. Like carrying a subcompact frame instead of a Desert Eagle while you’re shopping

We hung the Angel Armor from a stake to simulate holding a briefcase in front of your body.

at the local Whole Foods Market, some compromises have to be made for the sake of concealment. While we could simply take Angel One at their word, we decided to put it to the test. Since we imagined this would mostly be used inside an item rather than directly worn against the body (duct tape, anyone?)

While there was deformation, there wasn’t any penetration.

we started by hanging it from a stake in front of our target backer. Think businessman holding his briefcase in front of his body by the handle. This allows the armor some resistance, but nowhere close to how it would be against your skin. Two rounds 124g+P 9mm didn’t even phase it — barely a mark on the surface. The projectiles seemed

The power of the 12-gauge blew the entire panel through the backstop.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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ARMORING EVERYTHING to hit and deflect rather than be

inspection, not one of the nine

finally made it through. We would

caught in the layers of armor.

0.330-inch pellets completely

argue that if someone is dumping a

penetrated the Ally One. You might

submachine gun into you from 2 feet

not be happy, but you’d be alive.

away, you have larger problems than

We saw the same with .45 ACP, albeit with more backface deformation. Due to the Ally One’s

We picked out the embedded

flexibility, we were able to press

12-gauge wad and several flattened

everything back in place and try again.

pellets and gave it another go. No dice.

Did we mention that we were

The Ally One held its own once again.

hitting everything in the center of

Here we reached an impasse. We

this panel was meant to solve. Very impressive indeed.

THE BOTTOM LINE Currently Angel Armor is set up

the plate for maximum stress on the

wanted to destroy the panel, but

for military and law enforcement

armor? Yes, we were doing that.

we didn’t want to ramp it up to rifle

sales, so you’ll have to contact

calibers it wasn’t rated for. How

them directly regarding individual

about a whole lot of .45 ACP all at

purchases. If you’re in the market to

once? There’s nothing better for that

armorize some otherwise mundane

job than the Trailer Trash Uzi itself.

items such as a briefcase or luggage,

A military 12-gauge load of 00 Buck fired from a suppressed Benelli M4 sent the whole panel flying from the stake and entirely through our thick foam target backer. We were sure we finally killed the panel. But no, upon

The panel finally admitted defeat at the hands of a subgun at close range. After some minor surgery we discovered it still caught a truly impressive number of projectiles before failure.

An entire magazine from a full

this is one of the better options

auto MAC-10 was dumped into the

that we’ve come across in terms of

Ally One. All in the center. And some

weight and thickness. C

MAKE

Angel Armor MODEL

Ally One BALLISTIC RATING

NIJ Level IIIA MSRP

$149 URL

armor.angelintelligence.com

THE

IMPORTANCE

OF TRAINING THE REASONS GO FAR BEYOND POLITICS

STORY BY HANA L. BILODEAU PHOTOS BY ROB BOSSI & FIRELANCE MEDIA

In the ongoing debates about gun con-

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what

trol, most discussions focus on making

many gun owners do. They go to a

firearms regulations stricter. Very rarely

store, purchase a weapon, shoot a

is the focus on the training of gun own-

small number of rounds … and then

ers. Gun laws and training regulations

never train again. Remember, a gun

differ throughout the nation. At this

is only as good as the training of its

time, 24 states require training as part

owner. Don’t ascribe to these rituals,

of their concealed carry licensing pro-

because proficiency with a firearm is

cess. Regardless of your feelings, we

earned, not acquired. It’s easy for

should all agree that firearm training is

the average person to understand

nothing to put on the back burner.

firing a gun accurately in a dangerous

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING situation isn’t the same as firing a gun at a paper target. But it’s hard for the average person to envision him or herself in a situation where their safety is truly compromised. It’s because of the belief that “it won’t happen to me” that most people don’t make

Below, right: Proper firearms instruction is just that — instruction. Fast drills are fun, but a proper foundation of imparted knowledge is critical.

firearms training a priority.

Let’s take a minute, look at some published reports, and think about our

officers to qualify twice a year and

first reactions. In 2016 The Indianapo-

attend a certain amount of firearms

lis Star reported that, after a lengthy

training to maintain their certifica-

pursuit, it took more than 200 rounds

tion. A sworn officer receives more

fired by Indianapolis police to eventu-

training than the average citizen.

ally kill a suspect that earlier wounded

But if a trained officer involved in a

two officers.

gunfight has an average hit rate of

In 2013, Radio Vice Online re-

It’s easy to sit back and evaluate

Most police departments require

less than 20 percent, where do you

circumstances where others used

ported Norwich, Connecticut, police

think the capabilities of a typical

deadly force, while sitting comfort-

officers responded to a call of a man

civilian lie?

ably on a couch judging how we would

with a gun. Officers fired a total of

have done things differently. We can all admit that at one time or another we’ve fallen victim to the sensationalism of media reports surrounding active shooter events. We’ve all seen the statistics or read the after action briefs and instantly jumped to conclusions about the person behind the gun.

Below, left: Training to shoot from unconventional positions and around objects in your environment will be important for anybody using their firearm in a home defense capacity.

Bottom: Training alongside other shooters can be an excellent way to share knowledge, assess your progress, and introduce a little pressure into your training regimen.

At first glance those statistics are

41 shots, hitting the suspect just six

frightening. What most people don’t

times. That’s a 15-percent hit rate.

take into consideration, prior to pass-

The New York City Police Depart-

ing judgment, is that the majority

ment published a firearms discharge

of the time an average person (law

report for 2006 showing that officers

enforcement, military, or civilian)

fired 472 times throughout the year,

spends behind a firearm is a stress-

but only hit their intended target 82

free, static environment with a station-

times; that’s a 17.4-percent hit rate.

ary targets. Most actual shootings are

100 YEARS OF GUN LEGISLATION To understand firearms regulations, we must be aware of the history of events that shaped them. Part of protecting our rights includes being

a responsible and educated owner. Individual education and training are two components that will propel positive gun legislation.

1919: U.S. Congress passed the Volstead Act. Also called the National Prohibition Act, this law banned the production, sale, and transport of intoxicating liquors. While successful at reducing alcohol consumption, it also proved a boon for the criminal underworld, which led to a spike in criminal activity. Savage street crimes at the hands of well-known gangsters such as Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde prompted the first attempts at gun legislation. 1934: The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 was the first attempt at controlling the spread of firearms among the public. The NFA levied a hefty tax on sawed off shotguns, machine guns, and any rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. This $200 tax stamp was big money at a time when a new Studebaker truck could be had for a little over $600, essentially implementing gun control by hitting the pocketbook.

AS STATED BY RICHARD HENRY LEE, VIRGINIA DELEGATE TO THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, INITIATOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: “TO PRESERVE LIBERTY, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE WHOLE BODY OF THE PEOPLE ALWAYS POSSESS ARMS, AND BE TAUGHT ALIKE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUNG, HOW TO USE THEM.”

1938: The Federal Firearms Act of 1938: This spawned the term “FFL” or Federal Firearms License. It required a license to deal in the manufacture, import, or sales of firearms. 1968: The Gun Control Act of 1968. Most firearms laws come into effect at the tail end of tragic events. Take the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This, along with the deaths of his brother Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, prompted the Gun Control Act of 1968, a law that essentially banned mail order sales of firearms and prohibited most felons, drug users, and those found mentally incompetent from buying guns. 1987: Florida makes history. In the early ’80s, the state of Florida and the NRA initiated a campaign for concealed carry. In 1987, Florida passed a shall-issue right to carry law, opening the floodgates for other states to follow suit. By 1996, 28 states passed laws favoring the right to carry. 1993: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993. In 1981, John Hinckley Jr. — a man with known mental health issues — attempted a brazen assassination of President Ronald Reagan. In the attempt, Reagan’s press secretary, Jim Brady, was struck in the head by a bullet, leaving him paralyzed. Brady devoted the remainder of his life to enacting gun control laws. The Brady Act mandated background checks for all gun buyers. 2008: District of Columbia v. Heller. In this landmark decision for gun rights, the court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess firearms for lawful use, such as self-defense in the home.

traveler1116/istockphoto.com

Right: The YerkesDodson Inverted U theory illustrates the relationship between increased physical stress and decreased physical performance.

SIMPLE TASK Focused attention, flashbulb memory, fear conditioning

Strong

PERFORMANCE

Above: Positional shooting, barricades, barrier ballistics, cover, and concealment. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot on display here. Are you knowledgeable on all of it?

DIFFICULT TASK Impairment of divided attention, working memory, decision-making, and multitasking

Weak Low

AROUSAL

Left: Most LEOs are required to qualify biannually and attend a certain amount of professional development each year. What are your training standards? Right: Physical repetition, visual learning, and group discussion are excellent ways to answer questions and fill knowledge gaps.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

High

Evaluating Yerkes-Dodson’s In-

dynamic shooting. Whether the

verted U theory on levels of arousal,

goal is personal protection, home

research shows that when the heart

defense, or hobby shooting, they all

rate surpasses 115 beats per minute,

still come with the responsibility

fine motor skills deteriorate. If the

of properly knowing how to handle,

body and mind are stressed, aligning

maintain, store, and deploy the

sights and properly manipulating a

weapon system.

trigger becomes difficult. Training is critical in overcoming

Both fast-phase and slow-phase training come into play when

this reaction. After all, it isn’t pos-

developing firearm skills. The key

sible to control our heart rate in times

is to train. Consistently. Doing so

of stress. But it has been proven that

prepares a gun owner physically

visualization and training of basic

and mentally, while also ensuring

techniques help build a resistance

safe gun handling skills. Repeat-

to stress, allowing for better perfor-

ing these tasks instills firearms

mance during a deadly encounter.

proficiency. And in a stress-filled

So how often should the average

environment, even professionals

person train? There’s no one-size-fits-

need all the help they can get. C

all answer to this question. Repeating a drawstroke or trigger press 5,000 anything but. They often involve a two-

times won’t transform it into muscle

way range, movement, motor vehicles,

memory, because our muscles have

innocent bystanders, non-traditional

no memory. But it’ll tax our central

positions, extreme circumstances, and

nervous system, and that’s how motor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

a high level of stress. Let’s take a look

skills are developed.

Hana L. Bilodeau is a former local and federal law

at how those circumstances can dras-

Now let’s focus on motor skill

enforcement officer with a bachelor’s degree in criminal

tically alter our abilities to effectively

learning. This is the process by

justice. She’s trained as an advanced forensic interviewer

operate a firearm, and the reasons

which movements are executed more

and was a member of the Strafford County S.A.F.E. team

why training is so important.

quickly and accurately with practice.

where she worked as a crisis negotiator. In addition to being

This can be accomplished by the

an instructor for Sig Sauer Academy, Hana is also a deputy

countless repetitions to become a

average student during their first

sheriff with the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office.

so-called natural. Firearm handling

training session. It’s known as fast-

skills require continuous practice

phase learning, where the student is

and dedication. And not just physi-

cognitively aware of what’s required

cal skills. Building a sound firearm

to manipulate a firearm — they just

foundation requires an intellectual

aren’t good at it yet.

It takes many rounds and

investment, as well. Consider what happens during

Slow-phase learning, on the other hand, is when the student develops

a dangerous encounter, such as

small gains over multiple training

shooting at an attacker. The body

sessions before eventually reaching

undergoes a physiological reaction

proficiency. For example, developing

to the stress of our environment

skills over time until one can hold

(fight or flight), and it involves the

accurate groups from the 3-yard line

sound, sight, smell, and feeling

to the 25-yard line.

of a firearm being firing. During

Taking all that we’ve discussed

periods of physiological stress,

into consideration, it’s quite

the body is flooded with hormones

evident that with gun owner-

that elevate heart rate and blood

ship comes the responsibility of

pressure, making tasks much more

training. A well-rounded training

difficult to accomplish.

plan should entail both static and

www.sigsaueracademy.com

THE MPX K MIGHT BE A PERFECT TRAVELING PARTNER BY IAIN HARRISON PHOTOS BY STRAIGHT 8

Elsewhere in this issue, Matt Jacques discusses the merits of the modernday coach gun and the historical precedent behind it. We probably don’t need to persuade many road warriors that having a little extra ballistic capability on hand isn’t a bad thing — after all, we carry handguns not because they’re the hammer of Thor, but because they’re the most capable firearm that’ll fit in a waistband. When it comes to commonly available guns, there’s a sliding scale of size and effectiveness, ranging from the pocket .380 on one hand, to the 7.62 NATO battle rifle on the other.

that make zero sense. Even after filing

foul of the law. Note that ATF form

SIG’s MPX K is a specialized tool that

the necessary paperwork, paying a

5320-20 doesn’t apply to suppres-

lies somewhere in the middle of that

$200 tax, jumping through hoops,

sors, for which we can all be grateful,

continuum, giving the user a means to

and waiting up to a year for permis-

and is usually approved in less than

accurately deliver 30 rounds of 9mm

sion to cut down the barrel on a rifle,

two weeks; but we’ve yet to see any

from a package about the same size as

should you then wish to take your gat

evidence that its completion or lack

the laptop this story was written on.

while you exercise your First Amend-

thereof has made a significant impact

Due to the idiocies of the National

ment right of freedom of association

on criminality in the 83 years since

Firearms Act, those looking to bridge

and visit your family in another state,

the requirement was imposed. I’ll take,

a capability gap between handgun

you’ll first need to file a “Mother, may

“Bullsh*t government paperwork” for

and rifle are saddled with restrictions

I?” letter with the ATF, or else fall

500, Alex.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

SIG’S CIVILIAN-LEGAL SHORTY

Since the advent of the SB Tacti-

the MPX K PSB, seemingly less the

cal pistol brace and the most recent

nomenclature for a gun than a bad

BATFE opinion letter on the subject,

Scrabble hand.

SBR restrictions have become some-

A couple of years back, we got

what moot. RECOIL contributor and

our paws on one of the very first

noted 2A legal authority Adam Kraut

MPX variants to leave SIG’s Exeter,

addressed the ramifications of this

New Hampshire, plant and were so

decision in a recent online article on

impressed that we immediately filed

RECOILweb.com. Bottom line — if a

a Form 1 to SBR it. It’s since become

pistol comes from the factory with a

one of our go-to guns when introduc-

brace installed, then making a case

ing new shooters to the joys of this

that the owner illegally manufactured

lifestyle. Without fail, everyone who

a short-barreled rifle through the act

shoots the 9-inch-barreled carbine

of touching their shoulder with the

winds up dumping rounds as fast as

brace is a hard row to hoe. In the

they can pull the trigger. Its lack of re-

eyes of the law, it’s a Title 1 firearm,

coil and muzzle blast makes it one of

and thus no permission slip is needed

the most user-friendly semi-autos on

to cross state lines. Which brings

the market, traits accentuated by its

us to the glorious, though seemingly

gas operated, rather than blowback,

random collection of letters that is

bolt. While AR-pattern pistol-caliber C O N C E A L M E N T

The MPX K comes with this stubby Key-Mod handguard. It does the job, but things get cramped up there once you start hanging goodies on it. So, choose those goodies wisely.

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

carbines have come a long way in the

la Costa. Although that was a self-

past decade, they’re still hamstrung

correcting mistake, for a while there

by their operating system, which

it put a damper on things. No, this

produces more felt recoil than that of

gun is best suited to someone with

either the MPX or the HK MP5 it was

more time behind the trigger. While

designed to supplant.

it’s still fun to shoot, it’s considerably

Due to its stubby, 4.5-inch-long

harder to run than a 16-inch carbine,

tube, we’d be hesitant to put the K

demanding more care and attention.

version in the hands of a newbie —

Once that caveat is embraced, it’s a

we’ve witnessed one experienced com-

contender for the Ultimate Truck Gun

petitive shooter put a round through

Championship, a title fight that should

their mitt when running an MP5 at a

be announced in the same tones re-

match, as they attempted to shoot it a

served for monster truck derbies.

GEN 1 VS. GEN 2 MPX Despite being initially launched with

much hoopla and hype, it wasn’t long before SIG announced it was bringing out an updated version of the MPX, leading to speculation that the initial offering had been rushed into production. Major changes between the two included an ambidextrous charging handle, Keymod versus a proprietary handguard accessory mounting system, a different barrel extension, and a larger ejection port. There’s also a difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 magazines, the design of which was altered to accommodate both the revised barrel extension and lower powered commercial ammunition, rather than the NATO-spec, +P 124-grain ball the platform was originally designed around. A similar evolution can be seen in the MP5, which was first issued with straight magazines, rather than the iconic, curved versions we all know and love. We’ve had zero issues with either flavor in our Gen 1 MPX, but the reverse isn’t true — Gen 1 mags in Gen 2 guns will produce failures to feed. We should note that the company generated quite a bit of ill-will among its customer base following the introduction of the Gen 1 MPX, as its much-vaunted caliber change capabilities weren’t actually available until the advent of Gen 2. To their credit, SIG stepped up and offered early adopters a complete Gen 2 upper, including receiver, bolt carrier, and charging handle, for the same cost as a caliber change kit, so if you have a Gen 1 MPX and want to shoot .40 S&W or .357 SIG, we recommend you take them up on it.

SIG’S CIVILIAN-LEGAL SHORTY KICK TIRES, LIFT HOOD

Shortening up the opposite end is a collapsible no-siree-not-a-stock. That

So what does your 2,162 bucks

button on the receiver extension in order to deploy the brace. In the

(MSRP) get you? The MPX K PSB is

it meets this week’s administrative

event that gun is needed, it’s really

a Gen 2 version and as such arrives

definition of a brace is reinforced by

going to be needed, like RFN. The

with a KeyMod handguard. We’d like to

its shorter length of pull at 12 inches,

ability to simply slap it open and go

see M-Lok as an option, and with the

rather than the 12.5 LOP of the SBR

to work, rather than take the time

introduction of the MCX Virtus, it looks

alternative — just another of the Ka-

to locate and press a button while

buki dance moves honest citizens are

incrementally teasing out the two

forced to endure.

rods from the receiver extension is

like we may indeed some day get our wish. Just not now. Whatever accessory mounting system is employed, 4 inches of fore end doesn’t give much in the way of real estate — and what little there is gets covered up with digits PDQ. As this is a gun for use in exigent circumstances, it’ll need a light, but you probably won’t have room to bolt up a retina-burner, so compromising lumens for compactness will be necessary.

The chamber is pushed forward in the Gen 2 to accommodate a wider array of calibers. This necessitated a host of changes; one visible from the outside is the movement of the cam pin wear plate forward. It’s the oblong plate above the extractor seen below on the upper receiver.

One of our gripes when we first

worth the tradeoff of a less secure

shot the Gen 1 was that the wire sling

collapsed state. On the upside, the

loop would sometimes get in the way

gun can be fired with the brace in its

and be trapped by the buttplate when

collapsed position.

collapsing the stock. It’s still there

Fortunately, it’s an easy fix on a

on the Gen 2, but the flexible nature

milling machine to chamfer the detent

of the arm brace means it’s less of

notches so they don’t lock closed, and

an issue, and it’s still easy to get rid

we suspect an enterprising individual

of, should you so choose. What is an

with a Dremel cutoff wheel could prob-

issue is the need to press a release

ably achieve the same end.

In order to open the MPX K’s collapsible stock, the release button must be pressed. We’d rather be able to pull it out in a hurry without pressing anything.

ROUNDS DOWNRANGE With its role as a vehicular PDW foremost in our minds, we sallied forth to the range after adding a Romeo 7 red-dot, SIG’s version of the Aimpoint Comp M and an altogether larger sight than we should have bolted up. Live and learn. Anyone who’s tried to use a full

Although the K ships with a 30-round magazine, the shorter, 20-round version is more in keeping

nector just wasn’t designed to handle

sized carbine inside a cab will no

this kind of abuse.

doubt have fond memories of getting

To fix it, a longer tail was added to

tangled up in seatbelts, smashing their

with the weapon’s compact nature.

the hammer, which bottoms out on a

barrel into A-pillars, and wrestling

Lancer Systems designed and pro-

solid block, absorbing force that would

their muzzle through side windows. So

duced these mags for SIG, engineer-

otherwise have been taken by the dis-

we arranged a few targets in an arc,

ing them for optimum long-term

connector. We suspect this proprietary

reminiscent of a third-world vehicle

reliability by limiting capacity, in order

hammer is the main culprit contribut-

check point, in order to see how it

to avoid compressing their springs to

ing to a less-than-optimal trigger pull.

the point of coil bind. They do this

It’s considered bad form to quote

by means of a tail on the baseplate,

yourself, but way back in RECOIL Issue

which stops the follower short and

21, we thought the MPX trigger sucked

leaves plenty of air between coils. If

baboon ass. We still do. Were we to

you’re willing to accept a tradeoff in

find a place in the editorial armory for

lifespan, then cutting back this tail to

this little fella, then a KE Arms SLT

around 5/8 of an inch allows you to

drop-in trigger would be the very first

cram in more BB’s, boosting capacity

modification we made, even before fix-

to 24 rounds — add a TTI baseplate

ing the not-a-stock detents.

SIG offers a Lancerdesigned 20-round mag as an accessory for those who want to trade 10 rounds for a more compact package.

and an even 30 is possible. The K model shares the same controls with the rest of the MPX lineup, meaning an ambi safety, mag release and bolt release come as standard. Unfortunately, it also means it ships with the stock trigger, which is a testament to an engineering philosophy of “add stuff till it stops breaking.” Due to the MPX’s bolt velocity, it smashes the ever-loving crap out of fire control components, and an AR-style disconC O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

performed. With its brace deployed to the first position, the MPX K handles like an overgrown handgun, and the ease with which targets can be acquired and hammered while seated is a revelation. Slide it out all the way

SIG’S CIVILIAN-LEGAL SHORTY

SPECS

SIG SAUER

MPX K PSB

CALIBER: 9mm

BARREL LENGTH: 4.5 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 17.5 inches WEIGHT UNLOADED: 5.4 pounds CAPACITY: 30 MSRP: $2,162 URL: www.sigsauer.com

and making hits on 200-yard partial

was tamer than that of our Gen 1 SBR,

around in an open top vehicle in the

torsos, while harder than with an AR,

which has a tendency to launch them

Arizona desert. All went downrange

is at least a solid possibility. No, it’s

into low earth orbit.

without a hitch.

not nearly as effective as a 5.56 bul-

Ammo ranged from super-premium,

For those wanting a subcompact car-

let, but it’ll still ruin someone’s day if

Prime Hexagon 124-grain HP to

bine not subject to the inane complica-

they step in front of one.

Hevi Shot 100-grain frangible flat

tions of the NFA, the MPX K PSB of-

point, with stops along the way at the

fers a neat, though imperfect, solution.

that this was a 4-inch barrel, firing

Remington and Winchester plants. For

Areas in which it can be improved are

pistol ammo. Shooting offhand at 100

grins, a big handful of random rounds

easily addressed (just throw money at

yards, we managed to dump all 10

from the bottom of the range bag was

it, yay!) or can be lived with, or worked

rounds of one string into the headbox

stuffed into a magazine, and while

around. While its $1,700 street price

of a USPSA target, and could have

we’d love to tell you exactly what

is certainly a big chunk of change,

done it in about half the time were it

made the cut, they’d been in there so

it’s like buying a specialized tool for a

not for the degree of concentration

long that their family histories were

particular job. If your particular set of

needed to manage its trigger. Empty

lost in the sands of time. And speak-

circumstances call for a Q36 Space

cases were kicked out around 10 feet

ing of sand, most had a passing fa-

Modulator, then it’s hard to make do

to the 2 o’clock position, and ejection

miliarity with it, having been bounced

with a pipe wrench instead. C

We kept having to remind ourselves

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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IDEAS FOR THE EVERYDAY CARBINE BY MATTHEW JACQUES PHOTOS BY ROB CURTIS AND MATTHEW JACQUES

The coach gun isn’t a new addition to

rifle rack in the back window. This

the defensive equipment lineup. It’s

modern-day coach gun is what we’re

a tool that’s been around for as long

discussing here.

as we’ve used wheeled transportation

There’s little argument left about

with items or people to protect. As

the merits of a carbine versus a

times (and coaches) have changed,

shotgun for defensive use, especially

the coach gun has also evolved.

a two-shot, 16- to 20-inch 10 or

The coaches most of us think about

12 gauge. Carbines are an accu-

are the Old West coaches and their ar-

rate, high-volume, reliable, plentiful

mament. When Wells Fargo shipments

resource with a demonstrated record

were transported on horse-drawn

of successful employment in many

wagons, the employees assigned to

situations. Whether we’re looking at

security were issued break open,

coach defense, stagecoach, or grocery

double-barreled shotguns. Why a shot-

getter, the need for more than two

gun, versus carbine or rifle of some

shots before a transition or a reload is

sort, would be speculation on my part.

a very real possibility should you need

Since a business ran those coaches,

to defend yourself while away from

and the guns were issued, perhaps

home. The term “modern-day coach

it was a decision based on budgets

gun” came as I posted a picture of

rather than effectiveness. We could

my SBR (short-barreled rifle) with the

run down the rabbit hole of why, but

sling looped over the tilt controls on

that isn’t the purpose of this article.

a bulldozer as I cleared land on my

Post “Old West,” coach guns evolved

farm. I wrote about my modern-day

into truck guns. Anybody over the

coach gun being along for the ride,

age of 30 probably remembers the

and — in the day of social media —

.30-30 or .30-06 mounted on a

guys started asking for more.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

THE MODERN-DAY COACH GUN As a SWAT cop, I often had a good selection of long-guns at my disposal, especially when I moved to the sniper

all three of those during your initial

hands, and laying it down with the

buy — awesome, great planning.

possibility of leaving it behind for a

Many folks who are spending their

bad guy to grab isn’t an option. Mean-

element. I had an MP5SD, a Colt M4

hard-earned money on a well-built,

while, you can be very effective and

variant, and eventually a Remington

quality carbine ask the “what else do

accurate with iron sights. So, relegate

700. I often referred to my cruiser as

I need” question. White light because

the optic to number three on the shop-

my coach. I transported valuables and

you must have positive target identi-

ping list.

people, knowing that there was always

fication, and a sling because you may

a threat of someone meaning to do

have to carry someone or need your

me harm. I trusted those long-guns to solve problems, especially at distance. My service Glock served the same utilitarian purpose as the small flashlight on my belt. It’ll get me to the coach where I can get a better tool for

Left to right: Foldingstock AR, FAL, AK, AR Pistol, AR SBR, and SCAR. With the proper base gun, the choice of aftermarket configurations are limited only by your imagination.

the job — my handgun gets me to my carbine. Even since retiring from law enforcement, 90 percent of my travel time is spent driving (about 50,000 to 60,000 miles a year), so I consider my truck my coach, and I carry a carbine and ammo for my defense. If the Old West coach gun was a double-barreled shotgun, what’s your modern-day coach gun? That’s your question to answer. What’s your budget? What are you comfortable with deploying? What are the legal concerns for your state and the states you drive through? For most, it’s an AR pattern solution — very accurate firearms with high-ammunition capacity, and plentiful aftermarket parts, optics, white lights, and sling mounting offerings. There are also multiple caliber options, from pistol caliber setups to suppressed .300 Blackout and the ever-popular .223 Rem/5.56 NATO. While caliber and configuration is a personal choice, some of the items you should strongly consider are very much the same as those you’d consider for a home defense firearm. A quality light and sling are two important components of a good defensive carbine. I’m not saying that an optic isn’t, but if you’re spending a bunch on a rifle, you should consider a white light and a sling as your first two considerations, and with an optic as your third. If your budget allows for

Set up your Coach Gun as personal priorities and budget constraints allow, but focus on lights and slings, with optics as a close third.

There are some guns on the market that you can get off the shelf and run

with some concealment options. Most

across state lines, so make sure you

receiver, severely limiting its quick

folks find that going shorter is better,

cover your bases.

deployment. Having to get two major

and when talking concealment and

components out of a bag, assemble

If we’re considering how to make

security, that’s generally the case. You

your coach gun more concealable,

them, produce a magazine, and load

obviously have to consider the legality

without entering NFA territory, then

isn’t optimal when you need a carbine.

of what you’re carrying, as well as

we start looking into pistol braces,

where you can take it. A short-barreled

folding adapters, and items that allow

seen a resurgence in the market. But,

rifle (SBR) has ATF considerations you

you to make it small without having to

the folks who still want traditional rifle

need to be aware of when traveling

disassemble the upper from the lower

calibers are also seeing more available

C O N C E A L M E N T

Pistol caliber carbines have also

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

THE MODERN-DAY COACH GUN options. There are quite a few 5.56

vehicle. As a retired cop, the rational

some tweaker thought it had a couple

NATO and 7.62 NATO alternatives that

I use to conceal the carbine is simple:

of baseball bats and a glove or two in

come directly from the manufacturer

Does it look like there’s something in

it. I prefer a larger bag, like a gar-

well-accessorized and have folding

that bag I can get 40 bucks for from a

ment bag. A garment bag, or a larger

and collapsible stocks that make the

pawn shop?

inconspicuous bag, can possibly avoid

concealing of your coach gun easier.

the above scenario. Most thieves and

are quite often either unsecured or

tweakers know you can’t pawn cloth-

and deployment options, there are

easy picks. If the would-be thief be-

ing, so it’s a viable platform for hiding

some key things to think about. Plenty

lieves he can pawn it for a quick $40

a coach gun.

of folks use a baseball gear bag, guitar

and get a fix, it would suck to lose a

When loaded with my carbine, it can

case, or other discreet cases to help

$60 baseball equipment bag with a

sit behind the seat with a little organic

conceal a rifle in a bag while inside a

$2,000 decked-out carbine because

garnish (luggage tags and an airline

When we consider concealability High-speed go-bags are high speed, but a $25 sack with a zipper is a little more in line with the “gray man” philosophy.

Things that are stolen from vehicles

name tag), and it looks like a bag used for clothing. It’s suitable for someone like me who wants to carry their carbine into a hotel when attending a shooting class or who wants to carry it in and out of a hotel or home without looking like the traditional rifle bag. Find a bag that can fit your kit and suits your lifestyle and use it.

WHY A MODERN-DAY COACH GUN? Why do I carry a coach gun? It’s a simple concept. My handgun gets me to my rifle. There’s no argument that a carbine is a better defensive weapon and can do the job of a handgun far more effectively. We carry handguns because they’re concealable. There are plenty of people whose geographic location and profession mean it’s a good idea to have one nearby. I also carry a carbine because I work a farm where I may need a carbine as I return home or if the truck is with me where I’m working. It should be out of plain sight of the general public for security and discretion, but instantly accessible to the owner for defensive purposes. Let’s talk about the scenario where someone breaks into your home. Hopefully, you’d go for your home defense gun which would, hopefully, be a carbine setup much like your modern-day coach gun. We defend our family at home with a superior firearm, so why not defend your vehicle (that’s likely carrying your family) when you’re away from home? C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

THE MODERN-DAY COACH GUN

We face a growing number of violent assaults on folks in brazen terrorist attacks, and there are situations where you’re more likely to use deadly force. When we talk deadly force, it doesn’t matter if it’s applied with a knife, handgun, or carbine. While watching

Simple is better. This AR pistol setup, conceals easily, allows more reach than a handgun, and since it’s a pistol, it can roll dirty in states that don’t allow loaded rifles in vehicles. Just be sure to follow relevant concealed carry laws. And, best of all; no $200 tax stamp.

shot a suspect trying to kill a police

but there are more than a handful of

officer. There was a gunfight between a

recorded cases of civilians saving or

suspect who had just killed two people

coming to the aid of law enforcement.

and was shooting at the police officer.

There are also plenty of potential situa-

Stacy shot the suspect at a distance of

tions you could use a carbine to defend

165 yards with a revolver three times.

yourself and your loved ones.

While those were some very impres-

While the concept of the coach gun

sive shots, it would’ve been much

isn’t new, the weapons and methods of

easier and effective with a carbine.

carry have changed. In today’s society,

networks broadcast a rather lengthy cell

You needn’t try to become part of the

with today’s resources, you should

phone video taken from an elevated po-

Avengers, with Iron Man and Captain

never have to say “I wish I had a long

sition as a guy watched and recorded.

America welcoming you into the fold,

gun with me.” C

the coverage of the recent assault and murders of Dallas police officers, news

If you’re in a good position to watch the murder of uniformed police officers, to dispatch the offenders who are killing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

uniformed cops. As I watched those

Matt Jacques is a former Marine Corps veteran and retired police detective. He served with two Virginia law

videos, I remember yelling at my phone

enforcement agencies in the Washington D.C. region. He’s a plankholder of the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area

telling the guy to stop filming and shoot

Fugitive Task Force, serving as a Special Deputy, SWAT entry team member, and sniper team leader. Jacques later

that killer.

worked in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service Firearms Training Unit as the chief

you’re probably also in a good position

If you Google “good Samaritan saves police officer” you’ll see plenty of stories of folks assisting law enforcement.

of operations. He resigned in 2013 to start Victory First, a firearms training, product and business development firm with customers in the public and private sector. www.victory-first.com

In particular, read about Vic Stacy, who C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

You’re a right-handed shooter, heading

The answer that you should be able

I still hear the word “weak side” on

fast toward a target building. Shifting

to give is to transition the weapon to

the range, in reference to the non-dom-

left, you’re the first man coming up on

your support side, because your sling

inant half of our bodies. Let’s dispense

an alleyway, and you need to protect

is properly adjusted and your kit and

with that. We don’t have a weak side;

your teammates behind you. What you

all its attachments allow the manipula-

we have a support side, period! While

do next can determine the outcome of

tion of both carbine and pistol from

we don’t have to be fully ambidextrous

the mission.

either side. You post up, lock down the

shooters, anyone serious about weapon

alleyway with your weapon from your

skills should be pretty damn close to it.

your support side? Will your sling

support side in order to limit exposure

For the jobs out there that rely on com-

even let you? Is your communications

of your soft, juicy parts, — with full

bat marksmanship skills, your ability

switch attached to your left shoulder?

confidence in your ability to operate

to understand how the support side of

Can you effectively reload off your kit,

your white light and laser. Your team

your body reacts to the fundamentals,

support side only? Or do you eat sh*t,

successfully moves across, relying on

your training regimen, and your equip-

take the alleyway with your strong side

you to cover them with accurate and

ment are essential tools for survivability

and expose 50 percent of your body?

effective fire.

and lethality.

Do you transition your weapon to

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

WARNING!

The concepts shown here are for illustrative purposes only. Seek professional training from a reputable instructor before attempting any techniques discussed or shown in this story.

YOU DON’T HAVE A WEAK SIDE FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKSMANSHIP: STANCE & GRIP Definition of weak: not strong, liable to break or collapse under pressure, fragile. In contrast, the definition of support is to bear or hold up a load, mass, or structure, or serve as a foundation for

Many shooters treat their support side as a placeholder. Brokos advocates being more aggressive with your support side engagement, both upper and lower body.

and outs of a proper stance must hap-

support leg. Don’t make the mistake

pen before you can shoot and move,

that we in the SF community made 16

or use barricades and vehicles. While

years ago and hone your stance for a

both bodies and weapons systems vary,

controlled pair — it has to support a

the principles apply to both carbine

10-round string, should the target not

and pistol.

react the way it’s supposed to.

Many shooters have carbine stances

In the case of a pistol, the second

it. This explanation of support applies

that are very aggressive compared to

most common mistake I see besides

to the fundamentals of stance and grip

their pistol stances, but so long as you

lack of a proper stance is lack of power

when it comes to weapon handling.

remember that your support leg should

in the support handgrip. Some people

It’s the foundation of our stance, and

bear 60- to 70-percent of your weight,

say 60 percent of your overall grip

it bears our grip with both carbine

you’ll be in good shape. You have to tell

strength on the handgun should come

and pistol — so stop using the word

yourself you’re creating a slight imbal-

from your support hand, but I believe

“weak.” Fragile, collapse under pres-

ance forward to counterbalance recoil.

roughly 70 percent is better. But what

sure? Who the f*ck wants that from

During my classes, walk the line of

does that feel like? If you had long

their support leg, hand, or arm when

shooters and push on the magazine well

fingernails on your support hand, they

trying to shoot? Probably the same

of students’ carbine or cycle their slides

would cut through your glove, if you

dudes who’ve skipped leg day one too

while they’re in full presentation. The

were gripping hard enough.

many times. The support side of your

most common mistakes are toes lifting

Your support arm controls the car-

body is the epicenter for your stance

and people rocking on their heels. Yes,

bine in the same manner, pulling it into

and grip.

I’m big guy and push vigorously, but

the shoulder with the thumb pointed

that’s what recoil will do, too.

at the target in order to control light

Stance is a means to an end and the basis of our platform for shooting.

Most of the problem can be cured

Shooting on the X and knowing the ins

by shifting a little more weight onto the

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

and laser. The motto is: drive the gun, don’t let it drive you.

PERCEPTION VS. REALITY A couple years ago I was asked to help out some folks with night training. A sort of, “Show us how you all do it, but we’ve got this,” scenario. No big deal right? So, I’m walking around the range about 30 minutes before it gets dark, looking at flashlights and lasers on the unit’s M4s and details of their kit. Turning to one of guys I asked, “Hey bro, is this your weapon? How are you going to manipulate your white light and laser on the left side of this vehicle?” To which the student replied, “Oh, I’m right handed. Did you think I was a southpaw?” Nope, but roger that. I then asked his buddy, “Hey

TRAINING REGIMEN AND TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT

in a real-world situation. So while it’s

ing around soft-skinned vehicles,

bro, if this is your kit,

great to burn down an El Presidente

gun trucks, and buildings. All of this

where the hell is your

drill for time, next time do it with your

requires the ability to use them

buttstock going on

should encompass training contingen-

support hand — draw, reload, and all.

as a support to shoot and, just as

your right side with

cies and tactical scenarios involving

Rehearse contingencies and incorpo-

importantly, to maximize cover in

that communications

your ability to shoot with your support

rate shooting drills with one arm, for

the process.

switch on your

side, and with only one arm or hand.

both pistol and carbine, as it’s a real-

Think of your range training as a fit-

ity that happens when the lead faucet

if you’re shooting around a piece of

back, “No problem

ness regimen — don’t just do bicep

is turned on. Remember that every-

cover on the left side, then shoot

dude, I’m left handed,

curls every time; instead incorporate

thing we do on the range is a rehearsal

left handed, on the right side, right

no biggie.” Roger

functional fitness and train your whole

for something.

handed. Maximizing or limiting your

that! Needless to say

body’s exposure is key, and we do

our 2100-to-2400

we learned the hard way early on in

that by training our support side. It’s

session didn’t end

ing — train both strong and support

the war came from shooting around

not a cognitive response for most, but

until 0300, as guys

side, and one side only. The first time

cover, whether it was from around a

through repetition and training it’ll be-

were forced to unf*ck

you’re one arm down and have to use

wall as we crossed an alley, pulling

come second nature to transition your

their gear.

your carbine or pistol, it shouldn’t be

security down a hallway, or shoot-

blaster to support side when needed.

Your training program on the range

body for real-world scenarios. Use that same approach for shoot-

In my community, a lot of lessons

C O N C E A L M E N T

The general rule of thumb is, that

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

shoulder? He shot

YOU DON’T HAVE A WEAK SIDE Assess whether you can shoot your

PLATFORMS OF SURVIVAL Besides your teammates all that you bring to the fight are your weapon systems and your kit. Whether you’re running a plate carrier, chest rig, or belt, it should be set up to easily support both strong- and support-side shooting. Be critical. If you have to employ your weapon from your support side, can you get to your mags to keep it in the fight? Your kit should have the ability to support reloads and the ma-

source, at minimum you should have

carbine standing and run your white

the ability to illuminate a target with

light and laser from both your strong

white light — if you can’t identify it,

and support side. Next, utilizing a

you can’t shoot it. There’s no right

barricade or vehicle as support, can

answer for setting up your carbine,

you manipulate your white light and

but you should be able to access your

laser off both strong and support

white light in 70 percent of the posi-

side? While not everybody uses an IR

tions available to you when you shoot

Above: One example of a carbine and kit configuration. Note the mostly center-line placement of critical items and controls for access from either side. Top: With myriad configurations possible in both carbine and kit, have you set up your loadout to effectively utilize your support side?

nipulation of the buttstock on either side — pay attention to your communication switches and other items that might interfere. Our platforms for survival should be set up to operate both strong and support side to increase your ability to function and fight in an ambidextrous tactical world. C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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YOU DON’T HAVE A WEAK SIDE manufacturers claim their sights are

exposure to incoming fire, and allows

parallax-free, what they don’t advertise

for correct firing positions. Apply this to

is that this only occurs at one specific

your weapons and equipment set up for

distance, and the chances of your

ease of manipulation and any contin-

target always being at that exact range

gencies you may encounter. Put the

are slim to none.

time in on the range, and shoot with

This combination of parallax,

one arm and support side only. Our

misalignment, and awkwardness is a

goal should always be to take the think-

perfect sh*tstorm. Sometimes your dot

ing out of fighting, so run shooting and

will be in the dead center of the target,

moving drills that focus on your support

but you’ll still miss at distance. If you

side with both your carbine and pistol.

align your red-dot with your front sight,

Training should always be fun, but

you’ll be able to tell if your line of sight

practice shooting that’s uncomfortable

is aligned with your bore, and you’ll cut

and challenging. Remember, everything

down on parallax errors. As a bonus, if

is a rehearsal for something. C

your dot ever goes out, it’ll inevitably be when you need it most — having the front sight post already in position allows you to use the now-dead red-

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

dot tube as a giant ghost ring. Look

Dan Brokos is a retired sergeant major

through sight, place post on target,

and former Special Forces Green Beret

press trigger till target goes away.

with 26 years of service. He’s currently

Now that your weak side doesn’t

the CEO of Lead Faucet Tactical.

exist, and it’s been replaced with a

Questions about training? Contact him at

support side, you know how it supports

Dan@leadfaucettactical.com

marksmanship fundamentals, reduces from your support side. Depending on your equipment, not every position will allow you to easily employ your light, but if you can achieve 70 percent, there’ll usually be a workable technique for the rest. An oft-overlooked item on your carbine that can be utilized to help facilitate shooting on your support side is a front sight. Of course, this means that if you have a BUIS on your gun, it needs to be in the “up” position — something that’s sometimes forgotten in this era of red-dots on everything. How does it help? There are three things that must align to get a hit — namely bore axis, trajectory, and line of sight. Oftentimes, when we transfer the weapon to our support side it feels very unnatural. Your buttstock may be sitting on the outside of your shoulder, misaligning the weapon and line of sight, and you wind up fighting to see the dot through the sight’s tube. While C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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WILSON COMBATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EDC X9 BY KEITH WOOD PHOTOS BY KEITH WOOD AND COURTESY WILSON COMBAT

noppadon_sangpeam/istockphoto.com

If you’re a really hard-core gun nut (if you’re reading

opined that the mag looks like a Beretta design, it’s

this, you probably are), choosing a carry gun can be

actually derived from the Walther PPQ M2; however,

tricky. On one hand, you have the absolute prac-

the two are not interchangeable. Since the magazine

ticality and utility of concealable 9mm factory hand-

is tapered, it lends itself to funneling its way into

guns from Glock, SIG, and the like. But how do you

the magwell in a hurry. The X9 ships with two mags,

reconcile that with the desire to carry a truly fine

and Wilson will sell you as many as your heart de-

gun, one that demonstrates your individuality and

sires for $42 each. Ten-round magazines are avail-

desire to carry the absolute best? I love 1911s, but

able for those who live behind enemy lines.

even the ones that actually work are big and heavy

This 4-inch barreled compact 9mm is comparable

— so, sorry, I don’t carry one on a daily basis. What

in size and weight with common carry guns on the

if there were a precision-built handgun that melded

market. A Glock 19 weighs 20.9 ounces unloaded

the concealability and reliability of a compact 9x19

while a SIG 229 Legion weighs in at 34.4; this

with the style, trigger, and performance of a tuned

Wilson splits the difference at 29. It has an overall

1911? That handgun may just exist in the Wilson

length of 7.4 inches and is 1.4 inches wide. The

Combat EDC X9.

black VZ G10 grips are so thin that they don’t use

The X9 is built on Wilson’s unique X-frame, ma-

screws to attach to the frame and instead lock on

chined in-house from 7075-T6 aluminum. The idea

via dovetails. This is a compact handgun that could

was to create a high-capacity 9mm frame that was

easily be concealed in a traditional IWB or AIWB

smaller than a traditional 1911, while maintaining

holster. Since most of what makes this handgun

its traditional controls. The frame uses a 15-round,

unique is at the grip end of things, the X9 is com-

dual-column magazine that tapers to a single feed-

patible with most 4-inch 1911 holsters on

ing column, built by Mec-Gar. Though many have

the market.

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

ARKANSAS HEIRLOOM The basic design is very similar to

on the frontstrap and backstrap of the

most compact 1911s, but there are

frame. The rear of the slide is serrated

some notable departures. All of the

at 40 lines per inch, and the sight

controls — hammer, safety, trigger,

radius is similarly cut at 30 LPI. The

and magazine release — are straight-

bottom edge of the slide is chamfered

up 1911, and everything’s exactly

significantly, and the slide is narrowed

where you expect it when running

near the muzzle. Some of these cuts

the gun. The stainless steel barrel is

are functional, some are aesthetic,

a cone-type, deleting the Browning-

but all help accomplish the goal of

designed bushing but maintaining the

minimizing the handgun’s weight. The

tilt-barrel locking system. The external

entire handgun is coated black with

extractor is another modern deviation

Wilson Combat’s Armor-Tuff finish,

from traditional 1911 territory. The

which is both durable and corrosion-

barrel is fluted both along its length

resistant — but less than 0.001-inch

and on the outside of the chamber,

thick, lending itself to this handgun’s

while the crown is reverse-cut and

precision tolerances.

sits flush with the front of the slide.

The real appeal of this handgun is

But for the lack of a barrel bushing,

the 1911-style trigger. If you’re a

takedown is identical to just about any

cocked and locked, short and

1911 design.

light trigger pull kind of

There’s a great deal of detail on this

The guts of the X9 bear more than a passing resemblance to a 1911 Officer’s Model, though the cone barrel, full-length guide rod, flat recoil spring, and stepped spring plug are all modern twists.

shooter, no double-

gun done on the CNC mill: crosshatch

action or striker-

cocking serrations on both ends of

fired handgun

the stainless steel slide, 45-degree

is likely

flats along the 10 and 1 o’clock slide edges, a recessed dust cover, and an aggressive yet not abrasive grip pattern

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

ARKANSAS HEIRLOOM

to ever make you happy. Our example broke at exactly 4

excellent: a fully adjustable steel rear with a serrated face

pounds, with no creep. The Wilson Bulletproof extended

and a deep U-shaped notch and a green fiber-optic front.

safety lever and slide stop are straight-up 1911, as is the

This setup strikes just about the perfect balance of speed

magazine release. There’s no grip safety on this gun, which

and accuracy.

most shooters would agree is a positive. Varying hand sizes

Thanks to a full-sized grip and a healthy dose of CNC work on the front strap, the X9 was very controllable during rapid fire drills.

We didn’t perform any strict accuracy tests; 100 percent of

can be accommodated by choosing between three different

our shooting was on steel targets with no bench rest in sight.

trigger lengths and two different backstraps. At the end of

From the ready, we emptied a mini-IPSC target at 15 yards

the day, this is a custom handgun, and Wilson is perfectly

as fast as possible while maintaining a flash sight picture.

willing to work with customers to build one that suits their

Split times were respectable, and there were no misses; this

individual wants and needs.

gun wanted to shoot. The sights were big, clear, bright, and

When all is said and done, hitting tough targets with

impossible to ignore, which is a very good thing on a carry

a handgun usually requires two attributes — good sights

gun. The trigger was pure 1911: short, crisp, positive, and

and a good trigger. The Tactical Battlesights on the X9 are

with a painless reset. Recoil was minimal, and muzzle flip was

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

ARKANSAS HEIRLOOM

SPECS

WILSON

EDC X9

CALIBER: 9x19mm BARREL LENGTH: 4 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 7.4 inches WIDTH: 1.4 inches WEIGHT UNLOADED: 29.09 ounces CAPACITY: 15+1 rounds MSRP: $2,895 URL: www.wilsoncombat.com

about average for a 9x19mm of this size — somewhere between a Glock

If a 1911 and a 9mm carry gun had a love child, it would be the EDC X9.

you just never know. This gun feeds,

have no intention of buying based solely

fires, extracts, and ejects with all of the

on the price tag, I want to scream. If we

reliability that one must demand of a

value quality and innovation, we must be

defensive handgun.

willing to pay for it.

Make no mistake about it, this is an

We’re fortunate to live in a time

enthusiast’s handgun. It’s well built,

with a wide range of excellent firearms

magazines through the Wilson, I shot

carefully engineered, and expensive. At

designed for daily concealed carry avail-

it strong-hand only and was very im-

$2,895, this gun isn’t for everyone nor

able — not too long ago, that wasn’t the

pressed with the way it performed. This

is it in everyone’s budget. That said, it’s

case. There’s no single “right choice”

gun shot and hit less like a carry gun

good to see a company set out to build

for every shooter, but, for many, the

and more like a fullsized “duty gun.”

the best gun that they could without

choice of a truly premium handgun

We ran four types of ammunition

hitting some artificial price point that

for carry hasn’t existed in the com-

through this handgun: Georgia Arms

had nothing to do with performance.

pact 9mm space. This handgun from

bulk 115-grain TMJ, Hornady 115-grain

We’ll likely never own a Gulfstream or a

Wilson absolutely fills that void. There’s

FTX, Ted Nugent/DoubleTap 115-grain

McLaren, but we’re glad that they exist;

only one handgun on the market that

JHP, and L-Tech 124-grain CuHP. Good

no need to begrudge anyone for their

combines the single-action operation of

news — this gun works. There were no

ability to own one. We should celebrate

the 1911, the high-capacity magazine

malfunctions of any kind with any of

the pursuit of perfection rather than

of a midsized 9x19mm, and the custom

the ammo we tested. We didn’t expect

dissuade it. When I see some internet

construction of a Wilson Combat hand-

any problems, but with a “tight” 1911,

mouth-breather criticize a gun that they

gun: the EDC X9. C

19 and most SIGs. After running a few

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

ns o i t i s o P y r r 1+ Ca 1 o t s t f i h S ions t E a s i ly a r u g i f n o C in All e l b a t r o f m Co ed e t n a r a u G r Foreve

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THE CZ P-10C — NOT THE PISTOL WE NEED, BUT THE PISTOL WE DESERVE BY TOM MARSHALL PHOTOS BY KENDA LENSEIGNE AND GINA MATTURO

We know. It’s a bold claim, and bound to hurt some

to wring every last bit of performance its makers left on

feelings. But, we’re willing to draw the line and back up

the table.

our claim. So please hear us out on this one. In a political environment that’s finally casting a friendly

What if there was a pistol that didn’t need any of that extra work? What if one company took a hard look at the

eye on the firearms community (and ironically devastating

most popular aftermarket upgrades and said, “Hey …

gun-related profit margins) the midsize sedan class of

let’s just do all that stuff to the gun before we put it in

carry guns is growing larger by the week. You know the

the box.” We believe CZ-USA did exactly that. The result

template: 12 to 15 rounds, 4- to 4.5-inch barrel, polymer

they came up with is the P-10C and, in our minds, it’s a

frame, striker fired. You can probably name half a dozen

99-percent solution that takes “bone stock” to a whole

off the top of your head.

new level.

And, right behind those names come the laundry list

The P-10C totes 15 rounds of 9mm and launches them

of cottage shops around the country selling aftermarket

out of a 4.02-inch barrel by way of a striker trigger. Those

parts or services for said guns. Grip resizing, grip

15 rounds live in a metal magazine with a thick plastic

retexturing, trigger shoes, trigger jobs, sights, holsters

baseplate. That magazine lives inside a frame that is

et. al. and ad nauseam. Those shops are great, and we

textured and modular. It comes with three different sizes

love their work. But good guns are not cheap, and it’s

of backstraps that pop in and out without the need of

intensely frustrating to sink half a grand into a pistol

tools. These three parts accommodate the majority of end

that’s now considered little more than a blank canvas,

users. If you have catchers’ gloves for hands, there’s a

requiring another $200 to $2,000 in parts and labor

chance your pinky may not seat fully on the bottom of the

sorendls/istockphoto.com

grip. But the P-10C was built from the group up for the carry market, and the frame is exactly long enough for its 15-round capacity without adding extra length that might print under a cover garment or inhibit appendix carry by jutting out from under a T-shirt. The trigger guard is thinner than industry average, which eliminates the need for an undercut. Frankly, we’re not sure a true undercut would be possible as CZ eliminated as much material as possible from the junction of trigger guard and frame. Said trigger guard is squared off at the front with a pronounced corner — in case you take your shooting cues from 1980s detective movies and hook your support index finger around the trigger guard. Even if you don’t do that, the blockish shape serves another more practical purpose. The P-10C is conveniently dimensioned to ride in almost any holster that will also carry a Glock 19. We tried holsters from T-Rex Arms, IOM Customs, X-Concealment, and Red Clover Concepts, finding success in all but the

GREAT CARRY GUN, OR GREATEST CARRY GUN? latter. You’ve only read a little more than 500 words of this story and

by those with meaty mittens. On our test gun, we found

you’re already saving money on grip

something interesting with mag

texturing, undercuts and holsters. But

ejection. If you smash the button and

in the words of the late Billy Mays,

hold it down, the magazine drops

God rest his soul: Wait! There’s more!

about an inch out of the gun and

Forward cocking serrations —

The P-10C’s grip comes pre-textured, saving most of us money and man-hours on professional or DIY stippling.

break it in more thoroughly. Our plan worked well, and we only had a single instance of unintentionally dropping the slide on an empty chamber. The P-10’s most important control button, the trigger, is a piece of

stops dead. If you tap the button and

factory beauty. This author in

another popular aftermarket add-on

release it, the dead mag drops free

particular is a self-avowed trigger

— come standard on this blaster.

like it’s weighted. We’re not sure if

snob. None of his guns, handheld

They run about half the height of the

this is intentional, or if our brand-new

or shoulder-mounted, still possess

slide for over an inch front to back.

test gun is just a little stiff. Either

That’s plenty of pinching space for

way, it’s an interesting dynamic. If

press checks and full manipulations.

you practice reloads with retention —

They’re cut blocky and deep to

i.e., you pocket the mag instead of

provide ample purchase without being

letting it drop — this will be a boon

painful. Speaking of control features,

to you. If you don’t care about re-

the mag release button is a unique

homing your dead mag, just press the

triangle shape, with the point being

button and immediately let off it, and

closest to the trigger. It stands out

it’ll be on the ground in a jiffy. The

of the frame taller than many others,

slide release is flat, but also wider

though, not quite as a high as a full-

than average. Our sample was really

fledged race button. The shape gives

stiff at first, which we attribute to its

max thumb purchase on the back side

locking surface being located on the

while keeping the forward end narrow

breech face, rather than the slide rail.

enough to avoid accidental activation

We only took this as a challenge to

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

The frame is undercut from the factory and sized to fit an array of existing aftermarket holsters.

their factory bang switch. But CZ

The common wisdom is that

made a concerted effort to kill

a flatter trigger shoe increases

aftermarket trigger sales, and it more

leverage and gives a crisper, sharper

than shows. First of all, they jumped

feel without having to do any re-

headlong into current market trends

springing. The safety mechanism

by equipping the P-10C with a trigger

is the ever popular trigger-within-a-

shoe that is almost flat. The flat-

trigger, with the safety paddle being

faced trigger craze shows no sign of

wide and essentially invisible to the

fading anytime soon.

shooter during firing. The take-up

GREAT CARRY GUN, OR GREATEST CARRY GUN?

is somewhere between ¼ and ½ an inch before you hit

the paper. We did the bulk of our testing with Winchester

a rock solid wall that breaks consistently between 4

115-grain steel-cased target fodder. Using that ammo,

pounds, 7 ounces and 4 pounds, 9 ounces on our digital

the CZ printed a single ragged hole slightly larger than a

gauge. It’s intensely repeatable and, between shots, the

quarter from 15 yards. A cadence fire walk-back drill from

trigger leaps back into place with a reset that just about

3 to 20 yards kept all rounds inside a 4-inch circle. Our

kicks against your finger — an ideal personality in a

single best off-hand group at 25 was about 2.75 inches.

trigger meant for duty or defensive applications.

We’re willing to bet that a more deliberate attempt with

But the proof is in the pudding — or, in this case, on

more finely tuned ammo would get a good shooter closer

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

Tom Matturro from One Chance Tactical Solutions helped us put the P-10C through its paces.

GREAT CARRY GUN, OR GREATEST CARRY GUN?

to the 2-inch mark. In any event, the

Anybody familiar with other pistols in this class will have no issue field-stripping the P-10C.

are sturdy, metal, and the rear

We clipped a SureFire X300U to

sight features a ledge ideal for

the P-10C’s built-in light rail and

one-handed manipulation. The rear

had no trouble seeing the dots that

notch is almost exactly the width of

way. If you don’t carry with a WML,

said the P-10C was a 99-percent

the front post, making it easy to see

our 100-lumen pocket light also

solution out of the box. We’d be

when your sight picture is just right

made the non-luminous dots plenty

remiss if we didn’t address the

— a setup that likely contributes

visible to place rounds on target. But

other 1-percent. In our opinion, the

to some of the tight groups we

we also acknowledge that tritium or

only notable point for improvement

produced. The white dots are big

fiber-optic layouts are the current

is the factory sights. The stock

and bright under a wide array of

standard, and see this as the only

sights are three-dot whites. They

lighting conditions.

potential shortcoming. Everyone has

P-10C clearly proved plenty accurate for any and all social situations. A few paragraphs back, we

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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GREAT CARRY GUN, OR GREATEST CARRY GUN?

SPECS

P-10C

CALIBER: 9mm BARREL LENGTH: 4.02 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 7.3 inches MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 15+1 WEIGHT UNLOADED: 26 ounces WIDTH: 1.26 inches MSRP: $499 URL: www.cz-usa.com

their opinions on sights. Fiber-optic

alternate sights available through CZ’s

tubes do a great job of collecting

custom shop. They also inform us

ambient light. But those tubes

they’ve shared the technical data with

will crack or fall out, hopefully

several sight manufacturers, so even

during practice.

more options are coming.

Our team walked away from this review dually impressed with what CZ offers out-of-the-box, with little to no need for aftermarket work.

truly a $500 gun — not $500 plus the cost of a spa treatment. There aren’t a whole lot of pistols our crew would willingly carry out of the box, but the CZ P-10C makes our top 3. We’d happily throw this one

Tritium is the failsafe legacy

The CZ P-10C retails for $499.

option, but even its value can be

Street price will be lower and, on a

argued with the current emphasis on

good sale day, you may catch one

in our ability to keep up with any

target identification and white-light

for something closer to four bills flat.

pistol out there sporting designer

carry. We find the factory sights on

While the price point is right around

slide cuts or a titanium-nitride

the P-10C perfectly fine for duty use,

the industry average for this class of

barrel. If you’re budget is strict and

but fiber or luminous alternatives

gun, we find it an especially good deal

you need a ready-to-go-solution, we

would be icing on the cake. The good

when we consider its out-of-the-box

recommend finding the nearest shop

news is that if you decide you need

feature set. The midsized carry pistol

that stocks CZ and grab the last

to have something else there are

market now has a $500 gun that is

P-10C on the shelf. C

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

straight into a holster, fully confident

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NATIONAL RECIPROCITY A FORGOTTEN CAUSE?

BY ADAM KRAUT, ESQ.

The election of President Trump and

With the recent shooting in June at

a Republican-controlled Congress, on

the Congressional Republican baseball

the enthusiasm of gun owners, seemed

practice, the right to defend oneself

to indicate that pro-gun legislation

outside the home has again come to

would be something easily passed and

the forefront of discussion. Which begs

signed into law. While Congress has

the question — whatever happened to

been fighting over everything from

the effort to somewhat unify the patch-

healthcare to Russia, the only pro-gun

work of states’ concealed carry laws

bill that seems to have gained any no-

with a nationally recognized standard

toriety is the Hearing Protection Act.

for reciprocity?

WARNING!

The following story is for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it intended to provide, legal advice. The reader should consult with an appropriate professional regarding their individual situation. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk.

StephanieFrey/istockphoto.com

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

NATIONAL RECIPROCITY Rdlamkin/istockphoto.com

Each state’s laws would still apply to the use of force within that state as well as designated areas that would remain off limits to those carrying firearms, such as courts, government buildings, private property, etc. The House version also includes an affirmative defense for someone arrested while in compliance with the proposed law. It would require the government to show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the person didn’t comply with the law and provides for attorney’s fees if they successfully assert the defense. This provision is designed to stop states from wrongly charging people and monetarily punishes those who do. The bill also allows a person to sue the state, government, or individual who deprived them of their right and provides for attorney’s fees.

A state’s concealed handgun license would be recognized in all 50 states under the proposed legislation.

50 STATES, 50 LAWS, 49 POTENTIAL LANDMINES

lem that over 16.3 million Americans

As of the writing of this article,

face — their concealed carry permit

this bill has 207 cosponsors (204

isn’t recognized in every state. With

Republicans and 3 Democrats) and is

concealed carry permit to be issued to

the current patchwork of laws, it’s not

currently sitting in the House Judiciary

their residents and, in some instances,

uncommon for people to find them-

Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime,

non-residents. Certain states, like

selves being criminally prosecuted,

Terrorism, Homeland Security, and

Pennsylvania, are shall issue states,

having their property seized, facing jail

Investigations with no action having

requiring the issuing authority to grant

time, and potentially losing their right

been taken on it.

a permit to a person who meets the

to possess firearms and ammunition

criteria in the statute. Other states,

for life. These two bills seek to address

has not been scheduled,” said Jessica

like California, are may issue states,

those problems.

Collins, a spokesperson for the Judi-

The laws of all 50 states allow for a

“[A]t this time, a hearing on H.R. 38

ciary Committee. “Chairman [Robert]

giving the issuing authority discretion as to whether they grant a permit to

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

Goodlatte supports protecting Ameri-

a person based on nebulous require-

Representative Richard Hudson

cans’ Second Amendment rights and

ments like “good cause.”

(R-NC) introduced the Concealed Carry

ensuring they have the ability to travel

Act of 2017 (H.R. 38) on January 3,

across state borders with their legally

have implemented “constitutional”

2017. Under the bill, a person who

purchased firearms.”

carry, which allows people to carry a

1) is not federally prohibited from

concealed firearm without a permit,

possessing a firearm, 2) is carrying

assuming that they’re able to lawfully

a valid government-issued photo ID,

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) intro-

possess firearms and meet other re-

and 3) either is lawfully licensed or

duced the Constitutional Concealed

quirements that vary among the states.

otherwise entitled to carry a concealed

Carry Act of 2017 (S. 446) on Febru-

While every state provides the ability

firearm would be legally able to carry

ary 27, 2017. The language used in

for their citizens to be licensed to carry

a concealed handgun in a state where

the Senate bill and House bill are

a concealed firearm (or has passed

they do not reside, provided that the

similar, meaning they’d have a similar

constitutional carry), it doesn’t mean

state they’re carrying the firearm in

effect regardless of which is enacted.

they recognize another state’s permit

has a statute that allows its residents

However, there are a few notable dif-

as valid within their borders.

to apply for a concealed carry permit

ferences. The Senate version doesn’t

or does not prohibit the carrying of a

allow a person to get a nonresident

concealed firearm for lawful purposes.

permit from another state to carry a

An even smaller number of states

There are two bills introduced in Congress this year to address the prob-

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

NO SENATOR LEFT BEHIND

concealed firearm in the state where

ary 3, 2017) only 329 of 12,063, or

sary. The bill will then be subject to

they reside.

3 percent, of the bills introduced were

modifications as appropriate. After a

For example, someone from Hawaii,

passed into law. Only 11 percent of

bill has been “marked up” or deemed

where permits are notoriously difficult

the bills were either passed by both

acceptable without changes, the com-

to obtain, couldn’t get a nonresident

the House and the Senate or received

mittee votes to approve or reject the

permit from another state in order

a significant vote in either chamber.

bill. If the committee approves the

to carry in Hawaii. The Senate

Simply put, new bills face an uphill

bill, it’s sent to the floor for a vote by

version also lacks the affirmative

battle from the start, regardless of the

its members.

defense and right to sue found in the

politics behind them.

House version.

The discussion of a bill in commit-

After approval in the chamber where it originated, it then goes to the other

As of the writing of this article, this

tee varies between the two chambers.

chamber for a vote, unless there’s

bill has 37 cosponsors, all Republican,

It may be referred to a subcommittee

a similar bill. If two different bills

and is stalled in the Senate Judiciary

that’s more specialized on a topic, as

are passed, they go to a conference

Committee.

is the case with the House version of

committee that irons out the differ-

the bill. Generally speaking, if a bill

ences and sends the bill back to each

has enough support, it’ll be placed

chamber for a vote. Assuming both

on a calendar for a hearing where the

chambers vote to pass the bill, it heads

committee will have experts and oth-

to the president’s desk for signature.

in committee, and that’s where the

ers testify about the legislation to fig-

If either chamber fails to pass the bill,

majority of bills die. In the 114th

ure out the best way to craft changes

its journey comes to an end for that

Congress (January 6, 2015 to Janu-

to the bill, if any are deemed neces-

legislative session.

WELL NOW I’M STUCK IN COMMITTEE Unfortunately, both bills are stuck

In the 114th Congress (January 6, 2015 January 3, 2017), only 3 percent of all bills introduced were passed into law. MikeyLPT/istockphoto.com

NATIONAL RECIPROCITY IT’S NOT ALL ROSES While national reciprocity hasn’t been covered in the media for some time, with the recent resurgence of the topic, the opposition has become vocal once again. In late June, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (comprised of 1,049 mayors of towns and cities with populations greater than 30,000 people) adopted a resolution opposing national reciprocity. The resolution states such “legislation is dangerous as it would damage state and local governments’ ability to craft gun laws appropriate to their needs; and … the goals of this vasiliybudarin/istockphoto.com

legislation are completely antithetical to all of the efforts to reduce and prevent gun violence.” Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is an outspoken critic of National Reciprocity and pro-firearms legislation generally.

fight this legislation tooth and nail.”

the country, the major city chiefs, the

In February of this year, Senator

During a Sunday interview on 970 AM

major prosecutors offices from the big

Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told the New

in New York, New York County District

cities all oppose this act because it

York Daily News that the bill “is a

Attorney Cy Vance told host John

would increase danger to our commu-

nightmare for our law enforcement

Catsimatidis that in relation to national

nities and our cops.” He went on to say

officers and the community, and I will

reciprocity, “Law enforcement around

that if the bill passes, “I believe the safety, and the greater safety we have

Onnes/istockphoto.com

achieved will be at risk.” Yet studies have found a very different narrative. The Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) issued a report in 2016 finding that between 2007 and 2015, the murder rate dropped 16 percent while violent crime was down 18 percent. Notably, the number of permit holders increased by 190 percent. The NRA’s “Get the Facts Concealed Carry Permits” brochure states that “concealed carry permit holders are statistically more law-abiding than the general public, according to Dr. John Lott’s analysis of crime reports and revocations of concealed carry permits.”This is bolstered by the CPRC report that found in Florida and Texas, concealed carry permit holders are convicted of misdemeanor and felonies at less than one-sixth the rate for police officers. However, even in the face of statistics showing those with concealed carry permits are law-abiding citizens and a declining violent crime rate coupled with more concealed carry

C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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NATIONAL RECIPROCITY

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permits being issued, those who

and senators, you need to do so. While

that you wish for the representative or

oppose national reciprocity continue

the NRA and other groups are hard at

senator to support national reciprocity

to cry wolf. At the end of April, in an

work lobbying in Washington, D.C., the

(noting the bill number is helpful too

opinion column on Newsweek.com,

politicians are ultimately responsible

— H.R. 38 and S. 446). You can feel

Shannon Watts, the founder of Mom’s

to their voters. Plan on taking five

free to elaborate a bit or just keep it

Demand Action stated that national

minutes on your ride home from work,

simple. The NRA also has a form that

reciprocity “would not create a na-

your lunch break, or when another op-

makes contacting your representative

tional standard for who can carry guns

portunity arises to call.

and senators easy. While the future of national reci-

in public across our country. Instead,

The process is simple. Tell the

it would override state laws and make

person who answers the phone that

procity is uncertain, as with any

the weakest link the law of the land.”

you’re a constituent, give them any

legislation, the current makeup of

information they ask for (likely your

Congress would lend itself to its

name and address to ensure you’re a

passage. In order to make it a reality,

constituent), and convey that you wish

you need to become vocal and push

for the representative or senator to

those who are elected to pass this

teeth, wondering why Congress hasn’t

support national reciprocity. We rec-

legislation. C

taken any action to pass national

ommend calling the Washington, D.C.

reciprocity. If you haven’t picked up

office. If the phone doesn’t appeal to

whoismyrepresentative.com

the phone to call your representative

you, email works as well. Simply write

nraila-letter.org

PARTICIPATION TROPHIES ABOUND Now you’re likely grinding your

SHALL ISSUE STATES: Alabama Arkansas Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Minnesota Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington Wisconsin

MAY ISSUE STATES: California Connecticut Delaware Hawaii Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey New York Rhode Island CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY STATES: Alaska Arizona Idaho Kansas Maine Mississippi Missouri New Hampshire Vermont West Virginia Wyoming C O N C E A L M E N T

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

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CAN YOU SPOT THE GUN? BOLSTER YOUR HOME DEFENSE PLAN WITH CONCEALMENT DÉCOR AND FURNITURE

BY JOHN SCHWARTZE PHOTOS BY PATRICK VUONG

Imagine what we might have seen if Sarah Winchester and Frank Lloyd Wright had been neighbors, or if Eileen Gray had collaborated with John Moses Browning. For a long time gun owners had few furniture options specific to their FatCamera/istockphoto.com

lifestyle that didn’t scream “guns hiding in here!” But in recent years there’s been a renaissance to combine tastefully designed furniture with functional and discrete firearms needs. While many choose to openly display their firearms in wood cabinets with glass doors or on free-standing racks, it doesn’t come without complications. The same goes for traditional fullsize safes. You’re not really concealing anything. Everyone knows where the goods are.

3 C O N C E A L M E N T

100

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

1 The 8x10 Picture Frame offers a bit more display options than the NJ Concealment Furniture’s Wall Art (see page 104) with the same basic design principles. Cut the included foam insert to fit the outline of the desired contents to secure them in place. Your belongings are concealed by the hinged/magnetized cover that swings out the left. Interior storage measures 1¾ by 11 by 14 inches. The 11x14-inch frame contains a matted, glass-backed surface to hold your favorite 8x10 photo or certificate. Solid wood construction available in one finish. MAKE

NJ Concealment Furniture MODEL

Picture Frame 8x10 DIMENSIONS

14 by 17 by 2¾ inches MSRP

$220 URL

www.mcssl.com/store/njconceal/ catalog/product/8x10pictureframe

2 Whether it’s sitting inconspicuosly on a bookshelf, desk, or table, this refined clock offers solid construction with a simple magnetic latch for the hinged face that swings downward to allow access to stored firearms or other personals. Operates quietly with one AA battery and internal dimensions are 11 by 7¼ by 3 3/8 inches and backed with a felt lining, enough for a full-size handgun and extra mags or other valuables. There are no bands, hooks, or cutouts to snug anything in place, so it’s up to the individual to configure things in a way that holds them securely and won’t fall out when opened. With a little mixing and matching, we’re sure you can find an arrangement that makes sense. Because it’s built with more vertical than horizontal space, larger guns may require you to position it in a way where the gun rests on two perpendicular surfaces, instead of resting all on the same surface. Keys for lockable face included.

3 To the unsuspecting eye, the

4 The Patriot Flag Case with

1242 Rifle Length Shelf has the appearance of a floating shelf, but offers a hidden compartment beneath. Access to the storage area is achieved by placing two magnetic keys in the specified locations and applying upward pressure to disengage the locks. The compartment will then open downward to expose your stored contents. Two pneumatic gas struts allow for a slow opening. Optional interior LED lights available. An adhesivebacked, foam-lined block can be shaped to the outline of your desired contents and secure them in place. The cavity itself is 12 by 42 inches and spacious enough to store most ARs. Two trim and six finish options are available. Included mounting hardware is intended to be used on walls with standard 2x4-inch framing. Max weight load is 20 pounds on the shelf itself and 20 pounds in the storage area. An RFID lock option is also available.

Concealment basically shares the same functionality as the clocks made by Personal Security Products with a triangular-shaped, folded flag design. The flag is not included, so you’ll need to provide your own (or you can keep the faux paper insert in place that comes with it to maximize storage space). The flag attaches to the hinged/magnetically latched door via two Velcro straps. The felt-lined interior is approximately 3 inches deep, and has more than enough for a large pistol and spare magazine or two. Items sit inside loosely. Includes keys for the lockable face.

MAKE

Personal Security Products

Tactical Walls

MODEL

Tall Gun Concealment Clock

1242 RLS

DIMENSIONS

13¼ by 9½ by 6¼ inches

50¾ by 5 by 14½ inches

MSRP

$60

$399 to $529 ($529 to $659 for RFID version)

URL

www.psproducts.com

tacticalwalls.com

C O N C E A L M E N T

101

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

MAKE

Personal Security Products MODEL

Patriot Flag Case with Concealment DIMENSIONS

22 by 4¼ by 11½ inches MSRP

$50 URL

www.psproducts.com

CAN YOU SPOT THE GUN?

Another point of contention we’re sure you’ve experienced with your spouse is that most safes tend to clash with interior design preferences and end up relegated to closets, garages, or inside dresser drawers. Makes it a little harder to get to in a hurry, doesn’t it? And then there’s trying to work with furniture that wasn’t specifically designed for guns. Attempting

to add a secret compartment to that Ethan Allen armoire of yours might be easy if woodworking is another hobby you enjoy, but the average person isn’t likely to take on the task. We’ve done the work for you to show you a few of the latest examples of concealment décor and furniture. Keep your firearms and ammo at the ready with these various decorative appointments that allow for easy access, practical storage, and aren’t dead giveaways where you’re stashing your valuables. See if one of these has a place in your domicile and makes sense for your individual family situation. As some of these options are non-locking, we recommend you check your local firearms storage laws to make sure you’re in compliance before purchasing any of these products. C

1 This is a nice throwback to the Seth Thomas and other well-known clock models of the early 1900s that you probably saw at your grandparents’ house, but without the loud ticking and chiming you remember. Like its rectangular brethren, it features a AA-battery-powered quartz mechanism and hinged/magnetized opening. Storage space measures roughly 12.5 by 6 by 2.5 inches. Because the storage area is smaller than its taller counterpart and contoured on the sides, individual results may vary on being able to fit certain makes and models of handguns, particularly if lights or red-dots are attached. If you’re putting a gun in this one, especially a larger one, you won’t have room to hold much else. Unlike the Tall Gun (see page 101) version, this would allow most guns to rest entirely on the bottom surface, reducing the chances of it falling out when opened. Keys for lockable face included.

2 Tactical Shelving is a boutique company offering this 24-inch Tactical Shelf with solid wood construction in a variety of finishes and trim designs. Mounting it to your wall studs is recommended using 3-inch drywall screws, (not included). The compartment is opened using the included magnetic keys and swings downward to expose an aluminum-framed interior with magnetic pegs to secure your gun(s). An included light is a nice touch. Storage area is approximately 18 3/8 by 8¾ by 3 inches. Anything non-metallic will have to be secured with your own double-backed adhesive or some other improvised method. Also available are 36- and 48-inch versions with three different inlay designs.

3 While obviously not concealment storage

4 If simplicity is your thing, the

per se, some people like to proudly display their favorite pistols in a windowed, lockable case. Instead of the larger traditional wood gun cases, the Technoframes Blaze 007 offers a modernized approach that serves as a carry case, display case, and safe all in one. Using an insert placed inside the handle opening, it can even be mounted to a wall and easily removed for transport. Although the translucent covers look like glass, they’re actually ¼-inchthick Lexan panels, which means you’ll be hard pressed to break them. Piston hinges on the opening with steel and aluminum construction make this a very rugged case. A coated insert can be threaded into the hinge and slipped safely inside the barrel of your chosen pistol without scraping it to secure it. The hinged barrel insert swings out to grab your pistol easily. Four different finishes are available as well as various precut Lexan inserts to fit a variety of contemporary pistols. Or use the included padded band to slip over your gun to keep it from banging back and forth on the sides. Magnetic magazine mounting options available as well.

Small Accent Table comes in a variety of designs, colors, and wood choices to complement your existing décor. Use it as a small end table, nightstand, or valet. Features sturdy, solid wood construction and comes preassembled. Remove a magnetically attached piece of side trim (that appears to the average onlooker as a fixed panel) to expose a 15x10x3-inch felt-lined storage area. The cover for the compartment is completely removable and does not lock.

MAKE

Personal Security Products

Tactical Shelving

MODEL

Mantle Clock

24-inch Tactical Shelf

DIMENSIONS

14 5/8 by 7 3/8 by 3¾ inches

24¾ by 11½ by 4½ inches

MSRP

$60

$180 (shown)

URL

Varies

www.psproducts.com

Tacticalshelving.net or via IG @tacticalshelving

store.technoframes.com

MAKE

Technoframes MODEL

Blaze 007 DIMENSIONS

13.2 by 11 by 2.95 inches MSRP URL

MAKE

Secret Compartment Furniture MODEL

Small Accent Table DIMENSIONS

22 by 14 by 28¼ inches MSRP

$400 URL

secretcompartmentfurniture.com

CAN YOU SPOT THE GUN?

1 4

1 The 1450M Bundle is a bit more involved in its installation, but definitely offers innovative design, concealment, and functionality for a variety of different-sized valuables. Customers will need to cut into their drywall to mount it, giving the appearance of a standard wall-mounted mirror from the outside, but can be accessed via magnetic keys or an RFID card to disable the lock and slide the mirrored door open. Be sure you’re mounting this in an area clear of any electrical conduits, ducts, or wiring. Included are two compartments: one that’s 14 by 10 by 3.5 inches, with the larger being 14 by 40 by 3.5. First, mount the frame in your wall, then install the Velcro-lined plastic storage compartments in the fashion you wish and drill them in place with enclosed hardware. Included shelves can be situated within the inserts and also drilled in place. Arrange adhesive magnets on the back of the compartments to hold desired metallic contents in preferred locations (be sure you do this before mounting the compartments to the frame). Several finishes and trims available to pick from. MAKE

Tactical Walls MODEL

1450M Bundle DIMENSIONS

60 by 2.5 by 22.5 inches (cover); fully opened at 39 inches MSRP

$500 to $630 depending on desired magnet quality and finish ($635 to $765 for RFID option) URL

tacticalwalls.com

2 The 1410M Tactical Wall Clock offers a Roman numeral or Arabic clock face and two different finishes if you’re picky about aesthetics. The outside diameter of the clock is 22 inches. Inside, you’ll find a storage compartment that’s 14 by 10 by 2¾ inches. The clock body is made of hard plastic, so it’s light enough that the bulk of the load will be devoted to what’s hidden inside. The clock attaches to the wall by drilling four included screws through the storage area into the desired mounting surface. It has a max payload of 10 pounds, more than enough for guns, mags, and maybe even a knife that secures nicely to the Velcro-lined backing. Five included sticker-backed magnets can be arranged per the customer’s preference to secure goods in place, but if you end up changing your mind at some point about where you want your contents it may be tricky to restick the magnets in a different location, so think it through carefully or you’ll need to buy more adhesive backing. Also, if you store anything non-metallic, they’ll be sitting loosely inside the compartment unless you attach your own Velcro to it. The storage area can be accessed by applying pressure to the 12 o’clock area of the face, which allows the bottom to swing outward. Or you can remove the face entirely, which attaches via a simple Velcro strip at the top and is made of strong, flexible plastic. The AA-battery-powered clock movement on the back of the face protrudes into the storage area less than 1 inch, so it shouldn’t interfere with the placement of your self-defense implements. MAKE

3 The God Will Protect Wall Art

4 The QuickVent Safe

from NJ Concealment Furniture is a wall-mounted art piece with a canvas surface adorned with the saying “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.” The hinged/magnetized face swings upward to expose a storage area that measures 1¾ by 7½ by 24 inches and includes a 1-inch Kaizen foam insert that can be cut by the customer to trace the outlines of stored contents. Secure the foam insert in place with the adhesive backing. Plenty of room, assuming your contents are thin enough to fit inside the allowable depth. The artwork can be removed via folding tabs and switched out with another insert if you wish to provide your own. Only offered in one size and finish.

brings concealment up a notch with this storage compartment that mimics an air vent. This is not intended to be installed into an existing air vent opening. Access is achieved through two included RFID cards that activate the AA-batterypowered door. An override battery pack plugs into a jack on the cover in the event that the internal batteries die. Included screws are designed to be mounted through the predrilled holes in the sides to wall studs. Plenty of room to fit a pistol, mags, or other items loosely and discretely. A rubberized bottom keeps them from scraping or sliding around. As with any recessed-wall storage option, make sure you’re mounting this in an area where no electrical apparatus will interfere with its placement.

MAKE

NJ Concealment Furniture MODEL

God Will Protect Wall Art DIMENSIONS

10 by 26½ by 2¾ inches MSRP

$210 URL

MAKE

http://www.mcssl.com/store/ njconceal/canvas-wall-art

Quick Safes MODEL

QuickVent Safe

Tactical Walls

DIMENSIONS

MODEL

14¼ by 6.5 by 3.5 inches

1410M Tactical Wall Clock

MSRP

DIMENSIONS

$240

22-inch diameter (exterior)

URL

MSRP

quicksafes.com

$130 URL

tacticalwalls.com

C O N C E A L M E N T

105

R E C O I LW E B . C O M

GOING HOT

MODEL Emily Chen @aim2ms.behave PHOTOGRAPHER Jorge NuÃ±ez @jorgehnunez HAIR & MAKEUP Liza Macawili Ramos @lizamakeup CAR 1966 Jaguar E-Type Courtesy Ted Stroscher PISTOL Kel-Tec @keltecweapons PF-9 HOLSTER Can Can Concealment @cancanconcealment Classic Garter Holster PISTOL PROVIDED BY Angeles Armory @angelesarmory

MADE BY

T H E CO M PL E TE SYSTE M S PR OVIDE R ALLOY STA IN L E SS E L ITE PISTOL S

P229® ASE

ALLOY STAINLESS

LESS WEIGHT

FEATURE PACKED

The look of an all stainless pistol with less weight and lower cost

Durable, lightweight aluminum alloy beavertail frame with custom stainless PVD ﬁnish

Front cocking serrations, short reset trigger, custom walnut grips, and SIGLITE® night sights

sigsauer.com

#sigpistols

MICRO 9™ DESERT TAN Purpose-built

Kimber Micro 9 pistols put legendary dependability into a small 1911-style platform. 9mm power, simple oper ation and versatile ergonomics make these pistols leaders in the ultr a-compact market.

Customizable carry Each Micro 9 Desert Tan ships with one 6-round and one 7-round magazine for added ﬂexibility.

Signature features Featuring white 3-dot sights, a matte black frame and a slide ﬁnished in Desert Tan KimPro® II for increased resistance to the elements.

Enhanced grips Special Desert Tan Crimson Trace Lasergrips® provide a positive grip and improve target acquisition.

MADE IN A MERIC A

WHAT ALL GUNS SHOULD BE

(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com