This topic is one that has come up a number of times with friends and family, particularly when discussing the AR-15 platform. The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge (known simply as ".300BLK" on the forums) is a relatively new arrival, and has steadily been gaining a following in the enthusiast world.
First off, I'll share the basics of the cartridge. This is essentially a trimmed-down .223/5.56 case, necked down to accept a .30 caliber projectile. The overall length of the cartridge is only slightly shorter (.4mm shorter, to be precise) than that of a 5.56 round, although the projectile is significantly larger. The beauty of this design is it's simplicity; a .300BLK rifle requires only a barrel replacement, every other component is identical to those in the more common 5.56mm and .223 caliber iterations of the AR15.
I would like to point out a problem I see with this, and let this serve as a warning. A .300BLK round is shorter in overall length, and can possibly chamber fully in a 5.56mm/.223 caliber rifle. This means that it's possible to mistakenly put a .300BLK round into a magazine with .223 ammo, chamber the round, and fire the weapon, which would likely result in significant damage to the weapon, and possible injury to the shooter. This is why, when I go to the range, I make sure the ammunition for the .300BLK is kept separately from any other caliber, and I pay close attention when loading magazines. I am not speaking from experience here, I haven't blown up my rifle by mistakenly loading the wrong cartridge, but this is an issue I have heard about happening at least once before.
Now that that's out of the way, let's talk a little bit about the ballistic properties of the round. This cartridge is available in a number of different bullet weights, most common being 115gr. and 125gr. A standard 5.56 NATO cartridge has a bullet weight of only 62gr. Since the Blackout was designed as a .30 caliber solution for the AR15/M16/M4 platform, the ballistics are most frequently compared to those of the original AR15 caliber, the 5.56mm NATO.
For comparison's sake, let's briefly review the ballistic properties of a common AR15 variant:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO (62gr. FMJ-BT)
Barrel Length: 16 Inches
Effective Range: 500 m (Point Target)
Bullet Velocity: 2,927 ft/sec.
Energy: 1,303 lb/ft.
And the same rifle, chambered in .300 AAC Blackout:
Caliber: .300BLK (125gr. UMC)
Barrel Length: 16 Inches
Effective Range: 460 m (Point Target)
Bullet Velocity: 2,215 ft/sec.
Energy: 1,360 lb/ft.
As you can see, the velocity is lower, as expected, for the .300BLK. Energy is higher, but in terms of bullet drift and drop, the Blackout experiences both at a shorter distance than that of the 5.56. The 5.56, being a much smaller/lighter projectile, doesn't carry as much energy moving past it's effective range, however. The .300BLK above carries the same amount of energy at 700 m, that the 5.56 cartridge does at 500 m. The projectile size and energy increase of the .300BLK also allow for greater penetration of "hard targets" than the 5.56.
Another benefit of the .300BLK is that the original project goals specified that it be suitable for use in a short-barreled carbine outfitted with a Suppressor. A 220gr. subsonic .300BLK is a fantastic round for suppressor use, especially when coupled with a short barrel. With a quality suppressor mounted to a 9" Barrel, you can expect a reduction to approximately 130-135 dB, which is below the 140 dB "Safe Threshold" for unprotected hearing. Supersonic loads, however, are significantly louder, even when using a suppressor, and may result in hearing loss if proper hearing protection is not used.
I will elaborate more on this cartridge, including photographs, within the next several days. I have only one AR15 in my collection now, which is chambered in .300 BLK. I made the switch just over a year ago, and I haven't looked back.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Review: Heckler & Koch USP45 Tactical
Recently, I decided to act on impulse, and picked up a pistol I have always been intrigued by. This is the Heckler & Koch (HK) USP45 Tactical. I spent some time at the range with the USP a while back, but we'll get to that later.
First of all, this is a BIG pistol. It's a full-size .45ACP semi-automatic with a 4.78" Threaded Barrel. The magazine capacity depends on which model you purchase, but most will include 12-round magazines. The USP weighs in at 1.9 lbs without a magazine, and the overall length of the pistol is 8.64". Included with most is a cleaning kit, soft-sided case, two 12-round magazines, and of course, the pistol itself.
Build quality is fantastic, everything fits as you'd expect for a pistol in this price range. The trigger pull is smooth, with a clean break and short reset. I did notice a "catch" in the decocking lever, but nothing more than you'd find in a comparable pistol from another reputable manufacturer. The ergonomics are alright, the grip angle is similar to a 1911, although this feels markedly different, by virtue of the size difference and single-stack vs. double-stack design. The grip design is similar to a 2nd-generation Glock or Springfield XD. The slide retracts easily, with no noticeable roughness.
It's got a threaded barrel, but uses a less-common "reverse", or left-hand thread design, which is rather uncommon. If suppressor use is the primary concern for going with the H&K, keep in mind, you may need to purchase a suppressor specifically for this weapon. The raised sights are designed for use with a suppressor, which is an often-overlooked addition by many suppressor users.
If you are planning on using a weapon-mounted light, however, one thing to consider is the rail design employed on the USP. H&K uses a proprietary rail design, and is NOT compatible with most off-the-shelf weapon lights for this reason. If you want to use a weapon light on this pistol, you only have two options: Buy the Insight USPC light made specifically for the USP, or purchase an adapter, and use a standard weapon light (Surefire X300, Streamlight TLR-1/2, etc.). The USPC light is about $190 new, whereas a Streamlight TLR-1 can be found for around $100. If you go with the rail adapter, holster selection just became a whole lot more difficult, and you may need to go with a custom holster.
When I took the H&K to the local indoor shooting range, I brought along a box of Winchester FMJ ammunition, which has recently become my go-to choice for range ammunition. I also brought a box of 50 rounds of Winchester Ranger .45ACP Jacketed Hollow Point ammunition, since my intent was to carry this particular ammo, and wanted to at least put some rounds downrange to familiarize myself with the way the pistol handled it. I was not disappointed.
With the target about 15 yards from my shooting position, I was easily able to place all 12 rounds right where I wanted them. My grouping was similar to that of my duty weapon, a Glock 22 .40S&W pistol, which I've put hundreds of rounds through. All 12 rounds hit within 8-10" of the center of the target. The targets I use for these range trips are usually standard law-enforcement silhouette targets, and every round fired at this distance would have resulted in significant damage to an attacker, given all other factors were equal (which we all know, in a self-defense situation, is rarely the case. . . )
I replaced the target with a fresh one, and put it at 25 yards from the bench. In a standing, unsupported position, using my normal two-handed grip, I was able to place all 12 rounds of the 2nd magazine on the target. This pistol fired accurately, the sights were right where they needed to be, and handling the pistol was just as easy for me as handling my primary carry pistol. Every round went where I intended it to, and the smooth trigger pull lended itself quite well to preventing anticipation. Overall, the USP was a fantastic shooter, accuracy was more than adequate for the distance I was shooting, and reliability was not a concern. I put 150 rounds of ammo through the USP that day, and did not experience any malfunctions.
Overall, I'd say the H&K USP .45 Tactical is a fantastic pistol, it is accurate, easy to handle, and is very reliable. I'll detail the positive and negative aspects of the pistol below. Remember, these are simply my observations, I'm not endorsing or condemning this pistol in any way.
Pros: Accurate, simple operation, reliable, and low-maintenance. Not to mention, aesthetically, it's a fine looking pistol.
Cons: Heavy, bulky, difficult to conceal, holster selection is limited, proprietary rail, proprietary barrel threading.
The Final Word: As a target pistol, this pistol does a fine job. If you are looking for a concealed-carry pistol, you might want to keep looking. Even given the proprietary barrel threading, light rail, and difficulty in finding holsters, this is a fantastic firearm, and is arguably one of the best combat pistols ever made. From a practical standpoint, I personally wouldn't use this pistol for anything other than target shooting, or open carry. From a firearms enthusiast standpoint, I appreciate the weapon for it's simple design, reliability, accuracy, and aesthetics. In the end, you are the only one who can decide whether or not to purchase this particular model. You won't miss much if you don't, but you won't regret it if you do. Either way, this is a fantastic shooter, and I really enjoy it.
First of all, this is a BIG pistol. It's a full-size .45ACP semi-automatic with a 4.78" Threaded Barrel. The magazine capacity depends on which model you purchase, but most will include 12-round magazines. The USP weighs in at 1.9 lbs without a magazine, and the overall length of the pistol is 8.64". Included with most is a cleaning kit, soft-sided case, two 12-round magazines, and of course, the pistol itself.
Build quality is fantastic, everything fits as you'd expect for a pistol in this price range. The trigger pull is smooth, with a clean break and short reset. I did notice a "catch" in the decocking lever, but nothing more than you'd find in a comparable pistol from another reputable manufacturer. The ergonomics are alright, the grip angle is similar to a 1911, although this feels markedly different, by virtue of the size difference and single-stack vs. double-stack design. The grip design is similar to a 2nd-generation Glock or Springfield XD. The slide retracts easily, with no noticeable roughness.
It's got a threaded barrel, but uses a less-common "reverse", or left-hand thread design, which is rather uncommon. If suppressor use is the primary concern for going with the H&K, keep in mind, you may need to purchase a suppressor specifically for this weapon. The raised sights are designed for use with a suppressor, which is an often-overlooked addition by many suppressor users.
If you are planning on using a weapon-mounted light, however, one thing to consider is the rail design employed on the USP. H&K uses a proprietary rail design, and is NOT compatible with most off-the-shelf weapon lights for this reason. If you want to use a weapon light on this pistol, you only have two options: Buy the Insight USPC light made specifically for the USP, or purchase an adapter, and use a standard weapon light (Surefire X300, Streamlight TLR-1/2, etc.). The USPC light is about $190 new, whereas a Streamlight TLR-1 can be found for around $100. If you go with the rail adapter, holster selection just became a whole lot more difficult, and you may need to go with a custom holster.
When I took the H&K to the local indoor shooting range, I brought along a box of Winchester FMJ ammunition, which has recently become my go-to choice for range ammunition. I also brought a box of 50 rounds of Winchester Ranger .45ACP Jacketed Hollow Point ammunition, since my intent was to carry this particular ammo, and wanted to at least put some rounds downrange to familiarize myself with the way the pistol handled it. I was not disappointed.
With the target about 15 yards from my shooting position, I was easily able to place all 12 rounds right where I wanted them. My grouping was similar to that of my duty weapon, a Glock 22 .40S&W pistol, which I've put hundreds of rounds through. All 12 rounds hit within 8-10" of the center of the target. The targets I use for these range trips are usually standard law-enforcement silhouette targets, and every round fired at this distance would have resulted in significant damage to an attacker, given all other factors were equal (which we all know, in a self-defense situation, is rarely the case. . . )
I replaced the target with a fresh one, and put it at 25 yards from the bench. In a standing, unsupported position, using my normal two-handed grip, I was able to place all 12 rounds of the 2nd magazine on the target. This pistol fired accurately, the sights were right where they needed to be, and handling the pistol was just as easy for me as handling my primary carry pistol. Every round went where I intended it to, and the smooth trigger pull lended itself quite well to preventing anticipation. Overall, the USP was a fantastic shooter, accuracy was more than adequate for the distance I was shooting, and reliability was not a concern. I put 150 rounds of ammo through the USP that day, and did not experience any malfunctions.
Overall, I'd say the H&K USP .45 Tactical is a fantastic pistol, it is accurate, easy to handle, and is very reliable. I'll detail the positive and negative aspects of the pistol below. Remember, these are simply my observations, I'm not endorsing or condemning this pistol in any way.
Pros: Accurate, simple operation, reliable, and low-maintenance. Not to mention, aesthetically, it's a fine looking pistol.
Cons: Heavy, bulky, difficult to conceal, holster selection is limited, proprietary rail, proprietary barrel threading.
The Final Word: As a target pistol, this pistol does a fine job. If you are looking for a concealed-carry pistol, you might want to keep looking. Even given the proprietary barrel threading, light rail, and difficulty in finding holsters, this is a fantastic firearm, and is arguably one of the best combat pistols ever made. From a practical standpoint, I personally wouldn't use this pistol for anything other than target shooting, or open carry. From a firearms enthusiast standpoint, I appreciate the weapon for it's simple design, reliability, accuracy, and aesthetics. In the end, you are the only one who can decide whether or not to purchase this particular model. You won't miss much if you don't, but you won't regret it if you do. Either way, this is a fantastic shooter, and I really enjoy it.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Gun Control: Will It Solve Anything?
In response to the senseless shooting deaths of 27 people at the hands of a psychopath last month, President Obama signed 23 Executive Orders on Wednesday, January 16th, 2013. The President also urged Congress to pass into law an Assault Weapons Ban, universal background checks, and magazine capacity limits. What our politicians are able to come up with is not quite clear yet.
The proposals I've heard about so far have run the gamut from reinstating the 1994 Clinton Assault Weapons Ban to an all-out confiscation/forfeiture of any weapon with a single "military-like" characteristic. We've all heard the same arguments from both sides. "Think of the children!" and "We need more guns in schools!" immediately come to mind. What I don't agree with is the fact that politicians, our representatives in government, are using this tragedy as a soapbox upon which to preach their agenda. The knee-jerk reactions from the Left are forcing the Right to respond, which turns a tragedy into a political circus, which I personally find despicable.
Regardless of my personal feelings on the matter, the fact is simple. There is a lot of talk of taking immediate action, and several things have already been done in response to this event. I'm not here to try to scare you, or inform you of what's going on, because I believe it is your job to look at the information and come to your own conclusions. It's not my place to convince you to agree or disagree with my opinion. I will, however, strongly urge you to make your opinion known to your representatives. If you think there should be no further gun control measures taken, write them a letter, make a quick phone call, send an email. If you believe that the solution to the problem at hand is to eliminate assault weapons, restrict magazine capacities, and require stricter background checks for every firearm purchase, let your representatives know.
On the other side of the coin, not only should you let your representatives know YOUR opinions on the matter, but you should make an effort to learn THEIR stance as well. It is increasingly important for everyone to do their part here. Make your voices heard, and make sure your representatives are representing your interests, not their own.
Please take a moment to let us know where you stand, vote in the poll on the left side of the page. We would love to hear your opinions below in the Comments section as well, or you can join the discussion on our Facebook page.
The proposals I've heard about so far have run the gamut from reinstating the 1994 Clinton Assault Weapons Ban to an all-out confiscation/forfeiture of any weapon with a single "military-like" characteristic. We've all heard the same arguments from both sides. "Think of the children!" and "We need more guns in schools!" immediately come to mind. What I don't agree with is the fact that politicians, our representatives in government, are using this tragedy as a soapbox upon which to preach their agenda. The knee-jerk reactions from the Left are forcing the Right to respond, which turns a tragedy into a political circus, which I personally find despicable.
Regardless of my personal feelings on the matter, the fact is simple. There is a lot of talk of taking immediate action, and several things have already been done in response to this event. I'm not here to try to scare you, or inform you of what's going on, because I believe it is your job to look at the information and come to your own conclusions. It's not my place to convince you to agree or disagree with my opinion. I will, however, strongly urge you to make your opinion known to your representatives. If you think there should be no further gun control measures taken, write them a letter, make a quick phone call, send an email. If you believe that the solution to the problem at hand is to eliminate assault weapons, restrict magazine capacities, and require stricter background checks for every firearm purchase, let your representatives know.
On the other side of the coin, not only should you let your representatives know YOUR opinions on the matter, but you should make an effort to learn THEIR stance as well. It is increasingly important for everyone to do their part here. Make your voices heard, and make sure your representatives are representing your interests, not their own.
Please take a moment to let us know where you stand, vote in the poll on the left side of the page. We would love to hear your opinions below in the Comments section as well, or you can join the discussion on our Facebook page.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Something Brewing at Smith and Wesson?
I wanted to share this new video, uploaded by Smith & Wesson (via YouTube) on Wednesday. . . The video is VERY vague, it doesn't tell you what is coming, but one thing's for certain, S&W is up to something. Could this be a single-stack M&P (hopefully with a better factory trigger!) to remain competitive with Springfield's new XDS? Maybe some sort of S&W-branded non-lethal self-defense option, like OC spray? Stun Gun with interchangeable backstraps? We don't know, but it definitely something we want to know more about! If you have any ideas as to what could be going on at Smith & Wesson, leave a comment! We'd love to hear your opinion!
Here's the video:
As always, we are available here by commenting below, on Facebook, or via email by clicking here.
Here's the video:
As always, we are available here by commenting below, on Facebook, or via email by clicking here.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
How to Obtain a Concealed Pistol License
This guide is specific to the State of Michigan, since I'm not familiar enough with the process in other states to comment. It is rather disorganized now, but when I have some free time, I will clean it up a bit.
First of all, you need to determine of you are eligible. Follow THIS LINK to see the requirements on the state's website (link opens new window).
Once you are sure you are eligible to apply, it is time to take the "CPL Class", which can be one of two different classes:
Upon successful completion of the class, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion", which will need to be submitted along with the CPL Application Packet (the packet is often provided by the instructor of the CPL course, but if it is not, you can request one at your local County Clerk's Office). Complete the packet, which consists of personal information and a questionnaire, and submit the CPL Packet, Certificate of Completion of the CPL course, a photograph (similar to a Passport photo, but not quite. If you have this done somewhere that takes passport photos, tell them you need a CPL/CCW photo, and they will know what to do) and the $105 Application Fee to the County Clerk's Office. After this is submitted, you aren't quite finished yet. . .
You must then take the Payment Receipt from the County Clerk's office to the Sheriff's Department (in my case, the County Clerk directed me to the City Police, so your results may vary), where you will be fingerprinted. After this, they may give you a slip to return to the County Clerk, but they usually don't.
Then begins the waiting game. You've shelled out the cash for the class, ammunition, and application fee, and possibly even paid for your fingerprints to be taken. Since this process is handled by the County, and not by the State, you may experience a longer or shorter wait time than others. Your application packet will be submitted to the "Gun Board," who will look at it, and decide "Yes" or "No" on granting the CPL. Keep in mind, as long as you meet all of the requirements set forth by the State of Michigan in the link above, they are LEGALLY REQUIRED to grant your CPL. They MAY require you to make an appearance before the Gun Board. This could be because they have a question about one or more of the answers on the CPL application packet, or this could be because it is practice in that county to require all applicants to take time out of their busy schedules to go tell a group of County employees a bunch of information that is in black and white on the papers you already gave them. Either way, as I stated, if you meet the State's requirements, the County is REQUIRED to grant your CPL application. Expect this process to take a while, the average wait time seems to be right around 4-6 weeks.
After your packet is approved, you will either receive a phone call or a letter from the County Clerk's office informing you that your CPL is available for pickup. When you arrive to pick up your CPL, they will ask you to sign it, and most counties will laminate the card for you. Once that is done, and the card is in your possession, you are legally permitted to carry a concealed pistol!
Stay tuned for more information, we will be putting together an article about the "Do's and Don't's" of Concealed Carry!
First of all, you need to determine of you are eligible. Follow THIS LINK to see the requirements on the state's website (link opens new window).
Once you are sure you are eligible to apply, it is time to take the "CPL Class", which can be one of two different classes:
- Michigan State Pistol Safety Course, which is taught by an MCOLES-Certified Peace Officer
- National Rifle Association's "Personal Protection In The Home", which fulfills the requirement also
Upon successful completion of the class, you will receive a "Certificate of Completion", which will need to be submitted along with the CPL Application Packet (the packet is often provided by the instructor of the CPL course, but if it is not, you can request one at your local County Clerk's Office). Complete the packet, which consists of personal information and a questionnaire, and submit the CPL Packet, Certificate of Completion of the CPL course, a photograph (similar to a Passport photo, but not quite. If you have this done somewhere that takes passport photos, tell them you need a CPL/CCW photo, and they will know what to do) and the $105 Application Fee to the County Clerk's Office. After this is submitted, you aren't quite finished yet. . .
You must then take the Payment Receipt from the County Clerk's office to the Sheriff's Department (in my case, the County Clerk directed me to the City Police, so your results may vary), where you will be fingerprinted. After this, they may give you a slip to return to the County Clerk, but they usually don't.
Then begins the waiting game. You've shelled out the cash for the class, ammunition, and application fee, and possibly even paid for your fingerprints to be taken. Since this process is handled by the County, and not by the State, you may experience a longer or shorter wait time than others. Your application packet will be submitted to the "Gun Board," who will look at it, and decide "Yes" or "No" on granting the CPL. Keep in mind, as long as you meet all of the requirements set forth by the State of Michigan in the link above, they are LEGALLY REQUIRED to grant your CPL. They MAY require you to make an appearance before the Gun Board. This could be because they have a question about one or more of the answers on the CPL application packet, or this could be because it is practice in that county to require all applicants to take time out of their busy schedules to go tell a group of County employees a bunch of information that is in black and white on the papers you already gave them. Either way, as I stated, if you meet the State's requirements, the County is REQUIRED to grant your CPL application. Expect this process to take a while, the average wait time seems to be right around 4-6 weeks.
After your packet is approved, you will either receive a phone call or a letter from the County Clerk's office informing you that your CPL is available for pickup. When you arrive to pick up your CPL, they will ask you to sign it, and most counties will laminate the card for you. Once that is done, and the card is in your possession, you are legally permitted to carry a concealed pistol!
Stay tuned for more information, we will be putting together an article about the "Do's and Don't's" of Concealed Carry!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I'm an Addict. . .
Today, we are going to loosen our ties, take off the tin foil hats, and discuss a more light-hearted topic: Firearm Addiction.
I'm an addict. Just about everyone reading this is an addict. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, addiction is "to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively." I tend to agree that I have surrendered myself to firearms habitually. . . I bring new ones home on a regular basis, I spend money on guns and ammunition that probably would be better served elsewhere, and there's just something about them that gives me that "warm and fuzzy" feeling. Yeah, I'm an addict.
For some reason, I impulsively stop at the gun shop on the way home from work just about every Friday, and I compulsively spend more money on guns I don't need. By my estimates, I've spent around $5,000 at my local gun shop in the past 18 months. I'm currently in the process of paying off a pair of brand new Glock pistols, and I have a list of what's next. . . I see no end in sight. I can try to avoid it, but there's always going to be that "slip" that dumps me right back into the vicious cycle.
But hey, I'm stimulating my local economy, right? Yeah, that's true, I'm doing my part to help the locals out of this economic "slump." Or at least that's how I manage to convince myself that "just one more" is okay.
So, I want to hear from you! You've looked through the articles, you've seen the pictures of my collection, and you know I'm in too deep to just "give it up". If you're on Facebook, you've seen more photos of my "hobby" (if you can even call it that). I want to hear what you think, I want to know if you're as addicted as I am, and if you know of any cure. I'm tired of being broke!
Post your comments in the box below, join us on Facebook, or send us an email at thelowready@gmail.com .
As always, thanks for checking in, and stay tuned, there are several more exciting articles in the works, including a sneak peek at a brand new segment about the new AR15 cartridge that's getting all the raves, .300AAC Blackout!
I'm an addict. Just about everyone reading this is an addict. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, addiction is "to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively." I tend to agree that I have surrendered myself to firearms habitually. . . I bring new ones home on a regular basis, I spend money on guns and ammunition that probably would be better served elsewhere, and there's just something about them that gives me that "warm and fuzzy" feeling. Yeah, I'm an addict.
For some reason, I impulsively stop at the gun shop on the way home from work just about every Friday, and I compulsively spend more money on guns I don't need. By my estimates, I've spent around $5,000 at my local gun shop in the past 18 months. I'm currently in the process of paying off a pair of brand new Glock pistols, and I have a list of what's next. . . I see no end in sight. I can try to avoid it, but there's always going to be that "slip" that dumps me right back into the vicious cycle.
But hey, I'm stimulating my local economy, right? Yeah, that's true, I'm doing my part to help the locals out of this economic "slump." Or at least that's how I manage to convince myself that "just one more" is okay.
So, I want to hear from you! You've looked through the articles, you've seen the pictures of my collection, and you know I'm in too deep to just "give it up". If you're on Facebook, you've seen more photos of my "hobby" (if you can even call it that). I want to hear what you think, I want to know if you're as addicted as I am, and if you know of any cure. I'm tired of being broke!
Post your comments in the box below, join us on Facebook, or send us an email at thelowready@gmail.com .
As always, thanks for checking in, and stay tuned, there are several more exciting articles in the works, including a sneak peek at a brand new segment about the new AR15 cartridge that's getting all the raves, .300AAC Blackout!
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Basics of Concealed Carry
I am not a lawyer. I don't claim to be an expert in legal matters, and I never will. Fact is, the laws change so often, and most of the time are so vague, that even if you do know the laws down to the letter, a judge could interpret them differently then you do, and everything you thought you knew could be turned on its head.
That said, this article isn't about the LEGALITY of concealed carry - it's up to YOU to comply with the law. This article is about the mechanics of it, describing the different methods of concealing a pistol on your person, and showing you some of the different options you have. Our focus is going to be mostly on holster types.
There are many different kinds of holsters out there. So many, in fact, that we will only scratch the surface of what's available on the market today. Just to provide an idea of what's available, here are a few types that I've seen:
The "vertical" type is the same, the difference being that the pistol is positioned with the barrel pointing downward, rather than to the rear. I find the draw to be a little more uncomfortable in a vertical holster, as you have to pull the pistol straight up. Most vertical holsters require the use of belt attachments as well, so you can actually remove the pistol without using both hands.
As far as ease of draw, it's pretty simple, although you do have to reach a little further to access your weapon than a traditional IWB, OWB, or pocket holster, and because you are reaching behind you, it seems a little more awkward than a shoulder rig. There are a number of different SOB rigs available, including the standard horizontal (actually slightly angled), which holds the pistol with the butt pointing up. They are also available in a vertical style, but unless you are wearing a long jacket (peacoat or trenchcoat), that style isn't going to conceal well at all.
That said, this article isn't about the LEGALITY of concealed carry - it's up to YOU to comply with the law. This article is about the mechanics of it, describing the different methods of concealing a pistol on your person, and showing you some of the different options you have. Our focus is going to be mostly on holster types.
There are many different kinds of holsters out there. So many, in fact, that we will only scratch the surface of what's available on the market today. Just to provide an idea of what's available, here are a few types that I've seen:
- Outside the Waistband (OWB)
- Inside the Waistband (IWB)
- Shoulder Holsters
- Ankle Holsters
- Pocket Holsters
- Small of Back (SOB) Holsters
- Thigh Holsters
These are just a few, and they are the types I will be focusing on. The list is not in any particular order, and I will try to explain the pros/cons of each type, as well as my personal preferences among those I've used.
Outside the Waistband (OWB)
I have at least one OWB holster for every pistol I carry. This is by far the most common holster type you'll see, as there are several different types for different kinds of carry. There are Duty Holsters, the type that you see police officers using, which usually offer different retention options, which we will talk about below. I carry my 1911 in a "Speed Scabbard" type holster, which holds the pistol very close to the body, and offers a thumb break for retention. I also have a few Duty Holsters, as I work part-time in armed security, but that is another topic for another day.
- Pros:
- Easy access to pistol
- Available with a number of retention options
- Commonly available
- Comfortable
- Usually inexpensive when compared to other types
- Doesn't require larger pants
- Cons:
- Tends to "print" more than others
- Belt-slide types require partial removal of belt to take off
Inside the Waistband (IWB)
I have used a few different IWB holsters, mostly with my Springfield Armory XD45, which is my everyday carry pistol. The one that I have used the longest is a DeSantis Intruder, which uses both Leather and Kydex in it's construction. It is a bulkier holster than the OWB holsters I use, but it makes my .45 virtually disappear, as long as I'm wearing a shirt that is loose-fitting. The XD45 is a thick pistol, which makes it hard to conceal normally, but the IWB holster is a great fit for it. There are many different options available, from a number of different manufacturers. This is a great way to carry, regardless of the type of pistol you carry.
- Pros:
- Conceals quite effectively
- Comfortable
- Commonly available in gun shops, but better deals and more options available online
- Easy to take off, usually slides into waistband and "hooks" to belt.
- Cons
- Tend to be more pricey (My DeSantis Intruder was upwards of $60)
- Not all are comfortable, the "universal" types tend to require frequent "adjusting"
- Require pants to be a size or two larger than normal to accommodate
Shoulder Holsters
There are a couple different types, the first we will speak of is the "horizontal" type. This is what I carry my Beretta 92FS in, a Triple K leather shoulder rig. This type doesn't use the standard "belt loop" attachment like many others do, which I find more comfortable, as it doesn't pull your belt up when you sit down. I do enjoy carrying the Beretta in this manner, but this requires a little more planning to make it work. First, it is going to require either a heavier shirt over top of the holster, or a jacket of some kind. If I'm going to be outside most of the day, and it's cool enough to wear a medium to heavy jacket, I'll wear the shoulder rig. This allows easier access than pulling a jacket overtop of the pistol's grip in an IWB or OWB holster, as you simply reach into the jacket, hit the thumb break, and pull the pistol out. The drawback is if it's really cold, as access is only easier if you are able to leave the jacket unzipped/unbuttoned. It's a pretty comfortable carry method, but you aren't going to forget it's there, especially if you are going to be moving around a lot, since the pistol is going to be bouncing against your ribs the whole time.
The "vertical" type is the same, the difference being that the pistol is positioned with the barrel pointing downward, rather than to the rear. I find the draw to be a little more uncomfortable in a vertical holster, as you have to pull the pistol straight up. Most vertical holsters require the use of belt attachments as well, so you can actually remove the pistol without using both hands.
- Pros:
- Usually comfortable, but buying a quality holster is imperative. Cheap holsters tend to be ill-fitting, and can cause neck and shoulder pain.
- Great for concealing when wearing a jacket.
- Many options available
- Cons:
- Quality holsters can be VERY expensive, with many fetching upwards of $150.
- Require a heavy shirt or jacket over top, which can be uncomfortable on warmer days.
- Horizontal holsters point pistol barrel to the rear, which makes some uncomfortable.
- Vertical holsters make drawing pistol somewhat awkward
- Lots of "trial and error" required to find a good fit
- Belt loop attachment points cause belt/pants to "ride up" when you sit down
- Harder to conceal than IWB and some OWB holsters, sometimes "prints", although most people won't notice.
Ankle Holsters
There are a number of ankle holsters on the market these days. Ankle holsters are a great way to carry a Backup Gun (BUG), as they are virtually unnoticeable, usually comfortable, and even if/when they do "print", most people aren't looking at your ankles to see if you have a weapon anyway. They do have their drawbacks, however. First, if you wear tight-fitting pants, you won't be able to conceal an ankle rig. You need to wear either loose-fitting or "boot-cut" pants to effectively conceal. Second, while they do conceal quite well, depending on the weapon, they do require a significant amount of effort to draw, and it is nearly impossible to draw from an ankle holster while walking/running. The difficulty to draw is my reason for saying this is great for a BUG, but I wouldn't want to carry my primary weapon in this manner.
- Pros:
- Can be comfortable if you find one that works well for you
- Conceals quite well, and even if it does print, most people won't notice
- Cons:
- Requires a small gun-You won't hide a full-size 1911 in an ankle rig
- Significantly more difficult to draw from than the others mentioned above
- Can be pricey, although most are less expensive than IWB holsters.
- Require loose-fitting or "boot-cut" pants to conceal.
Pocket Holsters
These are great for "pocket guns", for obvious reasons. They place the weapon in easy reach, and you can have your hand on your weapon in a potential self-defense situation without anyone else noticing. Drawing from a pocket holster is as easy as retrieving your car keys or a cell phone. Pocket Pistols are usually smaller calibers, from .22LR to .380 (and even 9mm), although there are some .40S&W and .45ACP pistols that * technically* qualify as pocket guns. These smaller caliber, small-frame pistols are often striker-fired or concealed-hammer semi-automatics, and are great for use as BUG's or when deeper concealment is required. The main purpose of a pocket holster is to break up the shape of a pistol inside the pocket and cover the trigger to prevent loose objects from causing a negligent discharge. Carrying a pocket gun by itself in a pocket is dangerous, as something as simple as a loose thread can catch the trigger, and cause the weapon to discharge. Also, it's hard to conceal something that has the obvious shape of a gun in a pocket. Most pocket holsters work twofold, by preventing objects from accessing the trigger area, and by making the pistol look less like a pistol, and more like a wallet or other flat, rectangular object.
- Pros:
- Conceals very well, making the gun look like a wallet in the pocket
- Allows easy access
- Helps prevent negligent discharge by covering the trigger (in most designs, although there are some "open trigger" pocket holsters out there)
- Usually rather inexpensive (around $15-$30, depending on construction and manufacturer)
- Cons:
- Small pistols are usually small calibers with limited round capacity
- Limits use of a pocket, so if you're like me and carry keys & knife in one pocket and cell phone in the other, you'll have to find another place for something.
Small-of-Back (SOB) Holsters
I don't personally own any of these, although I have carried in this type of holster in the past. They can be comfortable, but they print pretty badly, and it is easier than you'd think for the weapon to become completely exposed without you noticing. Something as simple as bending at the waist to pick something up from the floor, or crouching to get something off a bottom shelf in the supermarket, can cause your shirt to rise above the weapon, get caught behind the grip, and your weapon is completely exposed. I didn't really care too much for this type of holster, simply because it required a lot more attention to the gun than I'd prefer.
As far as ease of draw, it's pretty simple, although you do have to reach a little further to access your weapon than a traditional IWB, OWB, or pocket holster, and because you are reaching behind you, it seems a little more awkward than a shoulder rig. There are a number of different SOB rigs available, including the standard horizontal (actually slightly angled), which holds the pistol with the butt pointing up. They are also available in a vertical style, but unless you are wearing a long jacket (peacoat or trenchcoat), that style isn't going to conceal well at all.
- Pros:
- I guess it's "different" and can be considered "cool" by some.
- Cons:
- Places pistol directly over the spinal cord, which can cause serious injury (even paralysis) in the event of a hard fall. Police officers don't even carry their handcuffs in that position anymore.
- Can become exposed without wearer's knowledge
- Rather expensive for quality holsters
- Weapon muzzle pointed to the side, which could cause issues when holstering weapon if a negligent discharge occurs.
- Again, muzzle awareness comes into play. In the event of a self-defense situation, the wearer will most likely pass across some part of their body, be it their kidney or leg, in an effort to get the sights on target as fast as possible. This could get ugly if there's a finger on the trigger. . .
- Nearly impossible to draw when seated in a vehicle
Thigh Holster/Drop Leg Holster
This is not particularly effective for concealing a weapon. At all. This type of holster often protrudes farther from the body than a OWB holster, and due to the location on your leg, you would have to be wearing a long coat to conceal at all, and even then, it will print like crazy. That said, if you prefer to openly carry your pistol (check local and state laws before attempting, and make sure you are well-versed in them), this is a great option for winter carry, as it is nearly impossible to conceal, and it eliminates any interference that may be caused by a jacket/coat. Thigh holsters generally place the weapon right at the wearer's fingertips, so drawing is easy, and this type of holster can be quite comfortable to wear, again depending on the quality of the holster. I used this type of holster extensively during my time in the Army, as it was the type of holster we were issued for our Beretta M9 pistols, which was used both when working as an MP on desk duty and in the field when on training exercises. The holster I used then was a Blackhawk with Level II retention, it was comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, although I will admit that I'm no longer a fan of Blackhawk holsters, for reasons I will share in a future article.
- Pros:
- Great for open carry-No chance of hiding!
- Comfortable (if you find one that works well for you)
- Available with different retention options
- Easy to draw and re-holster without inadvertently pointing the weapon at anyone/anything else
- Many styles and options available
- Cons:
- Virtually impossible to conceal
- Expensive (quality drop leg holsters can cost upwards of $120)
- Snags on doorframes, fences, just about everything it possibly can
- Can limit range of motion in leg
- A nightmare when it comes to weapon retention
- Moves around a lot when running, which makes drawing on the move significantly more difficult.
Well, there you have it! I will be adding some pictures to this article at some point in the next several days. We would love to hear your opinions on this topic! You can leave comments below in the Comments Box, over on our Facebook Page, or by email at thelowready@gmail.com
As usual, thanks for reading! Check back often for some exciting new articles that are in the works!
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