RECOIL CONCEALMENT ISSUE 11 by Vadim Koval

FEATURES 30

ACTIVELY ARMED

On-The-Go Options For Concealed Carry

Sharpen Your Edged-Weapon Skills With Solo Training

TRAVELERS BEWARE

How to Preserve Personal Safety While Outside Your Comfort Zone

GRAND POWER

CLOSE AT HAND Using Makeshift Weapons When SHTF

SBR AMMO BUYER’S GUIDE Think M193 and M855 are Good Options for a Stubby Tube? Think Again

THE GRAND SLAM A Primer on Effective Throws and Sweeps

PAIR OF PIZZA PISTOLS The Beretta APX Centurion and Compact

The Q1S Takes Aim at the American CCW Market

HOLD UP Atlas Gunworks’ New 2011 EDC 3.5 Carry Gun Thinks it’s a Race Gun

SOLITARY KNIFE FIGHTING

(FIRE) POWER SUITS

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Dressing Up and Gearing Up

POLYMER80 COMPACT LONG SLIDE

56 70

Roll Your Own Anti-G19X

DEPARTMENTS 8

ON THE COVER

OPTIONS

EDITOR’S LETTER

EVERYMAN EVERYDAY CARRY

UNCOVERED 106 GOING HOT

84 62 76

CRAP SHOOT

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.

Â®

by DeSantis

MSRP $39.99 MADE IN THE U.S.A.

WWW.DESANTISHOLSTER.COM

The Ruger® EC9s™ comes with no gimmicks, rebates or mail-in offers for gift cards... just the rugged, reliability of the strikerﬁred LC9s®, now with integral sights and a no-hassle price point that won’t break the bank. The Ruger® Security-9™ is an affordable, rugged, mid-sized pistol that provides everyday security in the perfect caliber, size and price point.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BOTH?

RUGER.COM

COVER PHOTO BY STRAIGHT 8

CARABINER

MAKE: Mummert Knives MODEL: Grub

Multitool/Carabiner MSRP: $130 URL: mummer tknives.com

KNIFE WITH FRAG PATTERN 5

MAKE: Dmitry

Sinkevich MODEL: F.C.K. (Functional Carabiner Knife) Monkey Edge FRAG Pattern Limited Edition MSRP: $599 URL: monkey edge.com

PISTOL

MAKE: Grand Power MODEL: Q1S MSRP: $574 URL: grandpower.

PEN

MAKE: Tuff-Writer MODEL: Mini Click

Fluted Barrel MSRP: $210 URL: tuffwriter.com

eagleimportsinc.com

WATCH

MAKE: Christopher

Ward MODEL: C60 Trident 300 MSRP: $455- $530 URL: christopher ward.com

LARGE KNIFE 6

MAKE: Chris

Reeve Knives MODEL: Large Inkosi with Black Canvas Micarta inlays MSRP: $550 URL: chrisreeve.com

6 5

YOUR PISTOL. THE WAY YOU WANT IT. BUILT BY YOU. With an 80% frame from Polymer80, some basic tools, and modest mechanical aptitude, you can build your own pistol from the frame up. The best way to know the gun you carry every day is to build it yourself. See the many size/style/color options at Brownells.com.

Available At

Due to politicians engaging in hair-on-ire

about the subject. Boy, I’d love to have

sensationalism over the DOJ’s settle-

observed that patchouli-scented meeting

ment with Cody Wilson, in this issue

of intellectual titans.

we decided to cover what any sensible

Since then, it seems to have entered

bunch of Second Amendment guys

political discourse like an STD, popping

would write about. So naturally, we have

up every now and again exactly where

for your ediication an article that details

you’d expect. Recently, none other than

how to build your own handgun from an

distinguished elder statesman Sen.

80-percent frame without applying for a

Charles Schumer (D-NY) took to the

permission slip from the government.

podium with his pearls tightly clutched.

Now, the right to make your own

In an epic display of his mastery of the

irearm has been part of societal fabric

subject, he proclaimed, “Ghost guns are

since the invention of gunpowder, but

not only scary, they’re outright danger-

this doesn’t seem to have muted the

ous in the way they can mimic the look

volume of wails coming from certain

and the capacity of a hardened, fully

camera-chasing media whores and their

semiautomatic weapon.”

attendant useful idiots in the media.

In the face of such idiocy, we should

In order to save humanity from the

point, laugh, and then exploit every

imaginary hobgoblin this state of affairs

available means to raise a metaphorical

creates, the phrase “DIY freedom”

middle inger. So go ahead, fellow free-

simply wouldn’t do. Thus a couple of

dom-loving Americans. Make a stand,

years back, the flunkies buzzing about

make a gun, and make a statement. C

Californian dim-bulb, political hack Kevin Leon like flies orbiting a turd brainstormed the catchy-sounding expression “Ghost Gun,” no doubt to eliminate any need to expend effort actually learning

100% MADE IN THE USA, AND CONSTRUCTED USING STATE-OF-THE-ART MACHINING AND AEROSPACE GRADE MATERIALS, THE TUFF•WRITER PRECISION PRESS PEN IS A TRUE HARD USE DEVICE. MONKEY EDGE FRAG PATTERN MACHINED BODY • 6AL4V TITANIUM BODY + TIP LENGTH: 6.00” • THICKNESS: .50” • WEIGHT: 2 OZ FISHER SPACE PEN CARTRIDGE INCLUDED • LEGENDARY 416SS ADVANCING MECHANISM

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MONKEY EDGE CARRIES A LARGE, REAL-TIME INVENTORY OF TUFF•WRITER PENS. FIND US ONLINE AT MONKEYEDGE.COM, AND ASK US ABOUT OUR DISCOUNT FOR ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. MILITARY.

Editor/ Iain Harrison Executive Editor/ Rob Curtis Senior Editor/ Tom Marshall Managing Editor/ Laura Peltakian Contributing Editor/ Steven Kuo Editor // Social Media/ Dave Merrill Editor // Online/ Candice Horner Network Manager/ John Schwartze Director, Video Production/ Trent Stockton Photography Studio Manager/ Jorge Nuñez Contributors/ Hana Bilodeau, Conrad Bui, Kenda Lenseigne, Chad McBroom, RCP Photography, Straight 8, Jared Wihongi Special Thanks/ The Bullet Ranch, Jason Poucher, Vlad V, Angeles Armory, Derik Brewster

Art Direction & Design. Senior Art Director/ Gene Coo Art Director/ Sarah Lampert

Submissions. recoil@RECOILweb.com

Subscriber Customer Services. Domestic/Canadian: 888.681.7064 Foreign: 386.246.0439 recoil@emailcustomerservice.com

Advertising. VP, Group Publisher/ Mark Han General Manager/ Glen Castle 813.675.3495 Ad Sales/ Shawn Sloan 813.675.3552 Ad Sales/ Scott McGregor 435.657.5923 Advertising Operations Manager/ Monica Hernandez To advertise on this magazine’s website, or any of TEN: Publishing Media’s other enthusiast sites, please contact us at advertising@RECOILweb.com.

TEN: Publishing Media, LLC. President/ Kevin Mullan SVP, Editorial & Advertising Operations/ Amy Diamond

Consumer Marketing, Enthusiast Media Subscription Company, INC. SVP, Circulation/ Tom Slater VP, Retention & Operations Fulillment/ Donald T. Robinson III VP, Acquisition & Database Marketing/ Victoria Linehan VP, Newsstand Retail Sales/ William Carter

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that the information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by TEN: Publishing Media, LLC., or the publisher as to legality, completeness and accuracy. Any submissions or contributions from readers shall be subject to and governed by TEN: Publishing Media’s User Content Submission Terms and Conditions, which are posted at http://www.enthusiastnetwork.com/submissions/ BACK ISSUES To order back issues, visit TENbackissues.com. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors query first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage and we assume no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. Manuscripts must be typewritten on white paper, and all photographs must be accompanied by captions. Photo model releases required on all persons in photos. Recoil reserves the right to use material at its discretion, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our requirements. Upon publication, payment will be made at our current rate, and that said payment will cover author’s and contributor’s rights of the contribution. Contributor’s act of mailing contribution shall constitute an express warranty that the material is original and no infringement on the rights of others. Mail contributions to: Recoil Magazine, 1821 E. Dyer Rd., Suite #150, Santa Ana, CA 92705. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Please call Recoil Advertising Department, 949.705.3100. Printed in the USA Copyright © 2018 by TEN: Publishing Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

1 It’s easy to focus on only gear that

2 As much as we’d like to have a custom

3 Not every multitool needs to be a

4 The hardest part of successfully using

creates holes in targets, but you shouldn’t neglect the tools that plug holes, too. Premier Safety Group makes that a little easier with the Tac Pac Jr. This everyday-carry medical kit is about the size and weight of two Game of Thrones paperbacks sandwiched together, yet it holds vital life-saving equipment: CAT tourniquet, pressure gauze, pen light, and CPR barrier mask. All of that comes in a compact, waterproof pack that can be attached to your belt or MOLLE-compatible bag. Plus, the Tac Pac Jr. includes a pouch for your smartphone to make it even more EDC-friendly.

set of accessories for our race guns, a separate one for our fullsize pistols, and another for our EDC compacts, the truth is that ain’t nobody got money for that. Thankfully, Pitbull Tactical helps us save some cash with its Universal Mag Carrier — it accepts a variety of magazines, from a 9mm single-stack to a .45 ACP doublestack. The carrier adjusts dynamically in size as the mag is inserted, thanks to a flared opening, a silicone flex band, and two telescoping shells that expand and contract. With no screws or parts to set up, this fully injection-molded pouch is ready out of the box. Also, it’s small and comfortable enough to be carried inside or outside the waistband.

heavy istful of steel and polymer. The Pryma from CRKT takes the minimalist approach by jamming nine functions into a one-piece tool that can it conveniently on your keychain or slip into your pack. The most obvious feature is the pry bar, which doubles as a scraper and is great at opening boxes. But there are also four sizes of hex wrenches, a carabiner, and a glass-breaker. And, really, no EDC tool is complete without a bottle opener. At 0.9 ounce (yep, less than 1 ounce) and 3.23 inches long, the Pryma is a small, featherweight tool with plenty of uses.

a knife in self-defense isn’t necessarily how long the blade is or how fancy your techniques are, but rather it’s deploying your tool in time to stop the threat. Carrying a ixed blade can help eliminate fumbling with a folding knife — especially if said ixed blade has a retention ring like the ST Silence 2.0. This little bad boy is super slim (just 0.15-inch thick), features a razor-sharp blade (2 inches long), and has a 1-inch ring that vastly improves grip stability (essential for a fast draw). It’s made by sandwiching carbon iber with titanium, which is coated with carbidized tungsten for increased edge holding and durability. Comes with a Kydex sheath.

MAKE

Premier Safety Group MODEL

Columbia River Knife & Tool MODEL

Pryma

MAKE

Tac Pac Jr.

Pitbull Tactical

DIMENSIONS

MODEL

MATERIAL

3Cr13 stainless steel

7 by 4.5 by 3 inches

Universal Mag Carrier

MSRP

$47

$20

URL

www.premiersafetygroup.com

MAKE

MSRP

$10 URL

www.crkt.com

www.flagrantbeard.com

MAKE

Schwartz Tactical MODEL

ST Silence 2.0 OVERALL LENGTH

5.5 inches MSRP

$120 URL

www.schwartztactical.com

1 3

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

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

5 It’s no weapon light, but Princeton

6 If you need to justify it you can call it

7 Most of us partaking in training and

8 Stufing mags sucks. Thankfully, we

Tec’s new Snap light is an admin light that’ll do more than just keep your hands free to solve other problems when the shadows creep in. It does the job of ive different lights in a single, adaptable package. It’s most at home strapped to your forehead as a headlamp, but, tug on the lamp’s body and a strong magnet gives way turning the headlamp into a 200-lumen handheld flashlight. On its own, use the body’s magnet to mount the light to any metallic surface as a handsfree task light. The Snap also includes a snap-in hanging body that turns the light into a lantern, and a handlebar mount that turns the light into a bike light (or a pipe-mounted work light.) It’s splashproof, dimmable, and has an easily accessible strobe setting to get attention when the situation calls for the cavalry. And, it’s made in the USA.

an upgrade, but we’d just call it a worthy indulgence. We’re talking about converting your .380 Glock 42 into a slightly more powerful 9 Makarov. The conversion takes about as much effort as burning toast, but you end up with a pistol that’ll run on whatever’s the cheaper of the two calibers available to you. It’s not a bad option as we’ve watched the prices of .380 rise and fall without rhyme or reason the last few years. Aside from a gain of a few feet-persecond, the Alpha Wolf 9 Mak barrel gives you 416 stainless steel, a button rifled bore, a tough salt bath nitride inish with a surface hardness of RC 60 and the threaded version (shown) comes with a thread protector.

have interns who load our mags for us. But, if you’re not fortunate enough to have this resource, you can pick up the newest version of the Magpump mag loader designed for 9mm pistol mags. Set the contraption up with one of the included mag adapters, shove a mag in, dump a box or two of your favorite luger food into the hopper, and work that lever till it ills the mag. We can load a 15-round Glock mag in well under 25 seconds. The loader breaks down into three parts, the base, body, and hopper for storage and transport. Setup takes a few seconds and your thumbs will thank you.

OPTIONS

competition end up spending a lot of time out under the sun, and that means slathering ourselves with slimy sunscreen to avoid cancer. A friend in the shooting industry turned us on to Zealios Sun Barrier, though. The stuff is made without oils, so once it’s applied, there’s nearly none of that slippery sunscreen feeling left on our hands. We’ve been reapplying sunscreen during range mag-stufing breaks and have yet to drop a round or bobble a reload (that we can attribute to slippery hands). When it comes to protection, Zealios uses Zinc Oxide to block the sun’s rays from damaging your skin. It’s a step up from the titanium dioxide found in many sunscreens, because it absorbs and blocks a wider spectrum of sunlight. We also dig that Zealios was started by a couple of athletes and isn’t some huge chemical conglomerate disguised as a healthy choice brand.

Threaded or non-threaded

MAKE

Princeton Tec MODEL

MAKE

Alpha Wolf MODEL

Glock 42 9x18 Makarov Threaded Conversion Barrel

3.76 inches THREAD PITCH

½x28

PROTECTION LEVEL

BRIGHTNESS

MSRP

$15

URL

$40

MSRP

$150

SPF 45

$140 to $160

MSRP

INCLUDED MAG ADAPTERS

Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson, Springield Armory, CZ and Ruger

MODEL

40 to 130 hours (AAA x3) 200 lumens; dimmable

MODEL

9mm Luger Magazine Loader

URL

Sun Barrier

RUNTIME

Magpump

www.magpump.com

Zealios

LENGTH

Snap

MAKE

www.lonewolfdist.com

URL

teamzealios.com

URL

www.princetontec.com

8 5

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

THE PISTOL NORMALLY KNOWN AS “EXHIBIT A” BY TOM MARSHALL

We were flat-out amazed to locate an L-25 in such incredibly clean condition. That’s where the amazement stopped, though.

Junk guns. Mouse guns. Pocket pistols. Saturday night specials. Suicide specials. A most unflattering litany of nicknames for a particular size, shape, and class

intertwined conglomerate of small

1993, they were the leading handgun

businesses once dubbed the “Ring of

manufacturer in the United States,

Fire” by a UC Davis health professor,

producing nearly 350,000 pistols

due to their disproportionate use

that year. In 1996, they iled for

in holdups, muggings, and street

bankruptcy — under the weight of 18

violence in the mid ’90s.

separate lawsuits for product liability,

One of these companies was

personal injury, or wrongful death.

automatics with 2- to 3-inch barrels.

Lorcin Engineering, which had a

They emerged from bankruptcy in

A handful of companies based

rather meteoric rise, and fall, even

January of 1997, only to ile again in

out of California were the primary

by irearms industry standards. The

August of 1998, with an additional

manufacturers of such pistols — an

company was founded in 1989. In

22 lawsuits pending at that time.

of pistol: cheaply made .25 ACP

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

Hornady’s XTP bullet is too good for this gun. But if you can get it to function, it’ll be your best chance in a ight.

THE AWFUL The gun is constructed almost entirely of Zamak — a lightweight alloy consisting primarily of zinc, with small proportions of aluminum or other metals just so that you can’t chop it up with a butter knife. With the Lorcin’s reputation for poor function, you’re in almost as much danger behind it as you are in front of it. Mechanical deiciencies aside, the .25 ACP is wildly underpowered. We give a smile and a hat-tip to Hornady for their efforts. But a 35-grain slug out of the Lorcin’s 2-inch barrel generates a disappointing 63 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This is the ballistic equivalent of “well … at least he’s funny.” If we had to defend ourselves against a close-quarters threat, and

magazines. The box was in “gently

we could choose between a .25 auto

since Lorcin closed up shop, their im-

used” condition. The instruction pam-

and a sharp stick, our irst question

mense production volume means that

phlet didn’t even have a coffee ring

would be “how long is the stick?”

plenty of these pistols are still floating

on it. This Lorcin looks as good as any

around. We bet most of them are in

Lorcin ever will. Our initial impression

the same pawnshops they started out

was a little like getting the last loaded

in 10-plus years ago. The rest are

potato skin off an appetizer sampler.

Even though it’s been a decade

likely languishing in large metropolitan

CONCLUSION It shoots, and it groups, for less than the bar tab at our last team din-

Hornady currently produces a

ner. Potential buyers should expect

evidence rooms all over the country.

35-grain XTP load for .25 ACP, which

most specimens to be in miserable

We happened to ind ours in a family

fed with about 75-percent reliability.

condition, if they function at all. Even

owned, upper-middle-class gun shop.

Not good, but better than expected.

if you happen to ind yourself a win-

This is a store the author frequents on a regular basis and isn’t prone to bargain basement inventory. The owners

THE OK Our test gun didn’t perform nearly as

say it came in as part of a large lot of

bad as we expected. From the 5-yard

consignment guns from an individual

line, we were getting ive-shot groups

who had been collecting his whole life

in the 2-inch range. At a two-digit sale

and was looking to off-load some of

price, we were anticipating groups twice

his selection. At a whopping $90 flat,

that size. Having said that, the gun

it was the perfect candidate for this

consistently shot right. We passed it off

infant column.

You’re probably better off turning the gun sideways than trying to line up these sights with any sense of urgency.

ner, remember that these guns aren’t built to last. Moisture, abrasion, and routine use will erode them at warp speed. But maybe a gun in the hand is worth two on the shelf. C

RATING

to three other shooters and everyone

SPECS

got the same result: 2-inch groups, 2

LORCIN

inches right of point-of-aim. That’s at

L-25

Given this gun’s well-documented

5 yards. Extrapolate for distance as ap-

CALIBER: .25 ACP

track record for poor quality, this par-

propriate. This gun was clearly designed

BARREL LENGTH: 2.3 inches

ticular one was in absolutely pristine

for use at dinner table distances. The

WEIGHT (UNLOADED): 14.4 ounces

condition. The inish was silky smooth,

sights are little more than a half pipe

MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 7

the bore was clean, and it came with

on the top of the slide. Good luck see-

PRICE: $90

all the original packaging: a box,

ing them if a cloud happens to pass

instruction pamphlet, and two shiny

overhead while you’re aiming.

PURCHASED FROM: AZ Gun Emporium (Tucson, AZ)

THE AWESOME

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

MAKE

Mission First Tactical

Raven Concealment

MODEL

1911, Glock, S&W, Ruger LC9, Springield XDs, HK VP9, SIG P320, FN509, CZ P07

MODEL

IWB Ambi Holster FITS

1911, Glock, HK, Ruger, Springield, Taurus, SIG SAUER, S&W, Walther

FITS

Glock Gen 3/4/5 9mm/.40 S&W/.357 Glock pistols & SureFire X300U/B, Streamlight TLR-1 HL

MSRP

$50

MSRP

FURTHER

$50

missionirsttactical.com

FURTHER

NOTES

rcsgear.com

Mission First Tactical’s entry into the adaptable holster market is molded thermo plastic slip-on affair that features a wide plastic clip to grab 1.5-inch belts. While the holster is ambidextrous, there are only a couple screw holes on each side for setting ride height. Cant adjustment is pretty limited, but simple and effective for most shooters running a gun from common AIWB and 3 to 4 o’clock positions.

NOTES

Even with the retention adjustment screw set on the loose end, we found the pistol retention a bit on the aggressive side. With a bit of sleuthing, we igured out why. It turns out the belt clip screws protrude into the mouth of the holster enough to come in contact with our Glock 19’s frame. It’s not a lot of contact, but it’s noticeable. We like that the holster’s sight channel is tall enough to accommodate some serious suppressor height sights, and there’s plenty of clearance for slide-mounted MRDS, but we miss the ability to bring the ride height up or down. We’re also not fans of a single plastic clip; it’s wonderfully convenient when donning and dofing the holster, but we worry about how it’d do in a retention struggle, or possibly on the dance floor.

C O N C E A L M E N T

Little pistols deserve little holsters; otherwise what’s the point of carrying a summer subcompact when the holster forms a sweat-absorbing appendage that prints like an untreated third-world tumor? We set the RCS Morrigan for 4 o’clock, behind-the-hip carry using the simple, but surprisingly effective, ride height and cant adjustments. It looks like an appendix-carry rig, and it works well enough up front, but as we realized after a few days out and about, the Morrigan works well as a deep concealment holster positioned just forward of our wallet pocket. The circumferential angles, strap positions, and cant adjustment holes allow the pistol to sit very comfortably, and stably, in a slightly muzzle-back position. This presents the grip perfectly for an almost behind-the-back draw. We noticed the pistol oriented this way hugs the body a little more and prints less. RCS uses a Velcro strap for retention, and we were a bit pessimistic about this setup. We igured the strap would slip off when pulling the holster off at the end of the day. Turns out that the end of the strap is retained by a screw, so it’s not going anywhere. On the downside, we were disappointed that we couldn’t cut the spine of the holster to it our RMS Shield MRDS without losing the top two (deepest) ride height options. It’s a small trade-off, but notable considering the growing popularity of MRDS-equipped micro pistols. Overall, we’re fans of the budget-friendly, adaptable, and very concealable Morrigan holster.

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

™

P ROT ECT I O N • TACT I C AL • S PORT

VISIT COMPLETEFOCUS.CO M

All the bullets in the world mean nothing if your concealed carry handgun fails when you need it most. The XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm is a less than one-inch wide pinnacle of reliability. 25K rounds without a stoppage and an integral grip safety for total peace of mind when carrying.

WE LOOK INSIDE THE POCKETS OF THE ARMED CITIZEN BY DAVE MERRILL

RYAN CLECKNER PROFESSION Attorney, author, entrepreneur CURRENT JOB TITLE Founder/president of Mayday Safety DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT Mostly desk-jockey with some range time HOW DOES YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT AFFECT YOUR EDC? Thankfully, I work in the firearms industry and firearms are not an issue for my work. URL www.ryancleckner.com LIST AND EXPLAIN EACH OF YOUR EDC ITEMS SIG SAUER P365 with Barnes 115-grain TAC-XPD The P365 is the perfect blend for me of size, shoot-ability, and capacity. With a backup mag, I can carry 25 rounds of 9mm in a micro-sized handgun that I competently shoot. I carry it either appendix or ankle carry. Benchmade 941-2 This is my fourth Benchmade 940 series knife (the previous three have been “lost” with the help of TSA during travel). The design and quality of this knife is a no-brainer for me — it’s small enough for everyday, the Axis lock give me way more confidence than a liner lock, and it’s big enough for every use I’ve needed so far.

Streamlight ProTac 1AAA This little light is new to my everyday carry and I love it — super small and bright enough for everyday work on a single AAA battery. iPhone w/Mayday Safety App Even when I can’t carry my SIG or my Benchmade, I have the Mayday app to notify those around me, my family, and any organization I’m a part of — worldwide — with my exact location. Ranger Coin Those who are/were in Ranger Battalions have a standing rule: Challenge someone and if they forgot their coin, they owe you a beer. I like free beer. EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL EVERYDAY-CARRY PHILOSOPHY My first responsibility is to keep me and my loved ones safe — it’s not to get into a gunfight. Situational awareness and avoiding bad situations goes a long way. Be smart, be aware, and if violence is needed as a last resort, be swift.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

BRADY PESOLA PROFESSION Personal protection/wilderness survival instructor DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT Currently working in the executive protection industry. HOW DOES YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT AFFECT YOUR EDC? Down here in California, our laws vary greatly than those in other states. Especially our gun laws, so it makes it difficult for people to be able to defend themselves and be prepared. However, there’s more to an EDC and being prepared than just having a gun. I won’t say what my full-time job is for my own protection, and I don’t always carry a gun for obvious reasons. I do, however, teach wilderness survival and direct an outdoor nonprofit where we find ourselves in areas where a gun is permissible and very handy to have around, but when in certain situations this is the EDC I carry most of the time. URL www.sandiegosos.com

LIST AND EXPLAIN EACH OF YOUR EDC ITEMS Spyderco Endura with Emerson wave I like the double-beveled edge, lightweight grip, and wave for quick one-handed opening. SOG multitool Always have a multitool in your kit. Can be heavy to carry in pockets, so I carry my Gerber Crucial. Both are handy to have when you need a good set of pliers. LumaForce Tac light Has an aggressive bezel for self-defense, super bright, and heavy enough to cause damage, but light enough to carry. Glock 19 Great weapon for both conceal and open carry. Trusty, reliable, and I know how to shoot it very, very well. OC spray If you’ve ever been hit with it you know why it’s effective. In times where you just can use a gun, this does a great job and getting the results you want in compliance. EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL EVERYDAY-CARRY PHILOSOPHY My philosophy is looking at logical problems that may arise, God forbid the worst happens. The gear I carry is to ensure the survival of both myself and the client. One should always have a few basics on their person; the rest close at hand in a gray-man bag.

EVERYMAN EDC

DON NELSON PROFESSION Retired aerospace engineer, former Marine officer CURRENT ENVIRONMENT National forests and grasslands, wilderness areas, mountains, deserts, trails, streams, towns and cities DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT My EDC pretty much covers the stuff that needs regular doing, plus most foreseeable defense. (In grizzly country the .45 is replaced by a 10mm, and a rifle is kept handy.) LIST AND EXPLAIN EACH OF YOUR EDC ITEMS Dan Wesson V-Bob .45ACP I’ve been a 1911 guy for 50 years, and this is the best quality example I’ve owned or shot. This one has well over 20,000 rounds through it and looks like it’ll easily outlast me. High Noon Topless in horsehide Like everyone, I’ve got a box of holsters that didn’t work. This particular holster has been on my belt for the last seven or eight years. It’s durable, secure, fast, and pulls in tight at 3 o’clock. SureFire Titan Tiny, reliable, doesn’t make anyone ask if I’m happy to see them when in a front pocket. Withings Activité Pop This is new. It’s a smartwatch that talks to a phone app. It also tells time. The jury’s still out. Victorinox Swiss Army Found on the street, it replaced a Buck 110 and a Leatherman multitool. If I need more, there are tools in the truck. EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL EVERYDAY-CARRY PHILOSOPHY My EDC philosophy is to only carry what I actually use. The pistol is the exception, though it’s been used a couple of times to chase off predators (four-legged) that were eyeing my dog. Here in South Dakota and the surrounding states open carry is legal, so the depth of concealment isn’t critical. Even so, a 1911 is pretty thin and hides nicely.

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SAMANTHA SMITCHKO PROFESSION Marketing at Cutting Edge Bullets CURRENT JOB TITLE Chief Marketing Officer DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT My work environment ranges from sitting at a desk, to flying across the country for trade shows, to being out on the range. HOW DOES YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT AFFECT YOUR EDC? I have to be mindful of the CCW laws everywhere I go. If I’m traveling, I always review the reciprocity laws are, and if I can, I take my pistol. If not, I always have my knife on me no matter what. LIST AND EXPLAIN EACH OF YOUR EDC ITEMS SIG SAUER P938 My SIG P938 is a great go-to CCW piece no matter where I’m going. It’s small, so it’s easier to conceal, but still comfortable to shoot. I also really like the weight of it; it’s light enough to carry, but heavy enough to keep the recoil low. SIG SAUER extended mag I use the extended mag in my P938, because it makes it significantly more comfortable to grip. Most people would agree that the P938 or P238 are rather uncomfortable to handle because of how compact they are. The extended mag really helps in this area. Guardian Tactical Helix Nano pocket knife Guardian Tactical OTF knife I always have my Guardian Tactical Helix Nano or my Guardian Tactical OTF blade on me no matter where I’m at or what I’m doing. I love this company because they produce high-quality blades that conceal easily, which is helpful as a female since our clothes tend to me more fitted. They’re all also made in the USA, which is extremely important to me. CEB PHD ammo I believe good quality ammo with maximum stopping power is essential in a CCW pistol, especially in smaller calibers such as .380 and 9mm. The CEB PHD ammo is loaded with monolithic bullets designed to shed four blades after 1 to 2 inches, while the base continues. In addition, they’re a lot lighter than your average bullet, so the recoil is significantly reduced. EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL EVERYDAY-CARRY PHILOSOPHY I want everything I carry on a daily basis to be as compact and concealable as possible while still being extremely effective.

EVERYMAN EDC

Online writing

Content writer

I work at home or any place that has Internet access writing articles or editing other people’s articles.

I have the freedom of choice since I’m not working in an ofice environment for the time being. Threats and hazards are at an absolute minimum, as I live in a relatively safe neighborhood.

M&P Shield It’s compact and functional in my personal opinion and easy to conceal when carrying in appendix. G-Code INCOG holster It’s comfortable and provides a snug it for the M&P Shield, along with an extra magazine. TRS Survival Knife This knife isn’t only very sharp, but it’s also compact and can be used for everyday activities like ishing and eating. The knife holster provides good retention and can be strapped onto any pants I’m wearing. Uniball Pen This speciic pen lasts really long, and allows me to write well unlike other pens that are dificult to write with. Memo Notepad I have multiple tasks to deal with throughout the day and writing them down on a compact notepad helps. PHY My everyday carry philosophy is simple. If I know I’m going into a dangerous environment, I’ll bring everything including my pistol and knife. If there’s little to no danger and I’m going on activities like ishing, then I leave the pistol at home.

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EVERYMAN EDC

RON WARREN PROFESSION Law enforcement CURRENT JOB TITLE Patrolman/firearms instructor DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT I work for a small police department in rural North Central Pennsylvania. We serve a borough and two townships, which can involve anything from patrolling a remote single-lane road in the woods, to a major four-lane highway (and everything in-between). HOW DOES YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT AFFECT YOUR EDC? Being a cop in a rural area is unique in that there’s no abundance of officers around. Even when I’m offduty I carry the basics required to go back on duty if the need arises.

LIST AND EXPLAIN EACH OF YOUR EDC ITEMS iPhone 7 It’s my opinion that a reliable smartphone is a must-have tool. I’m not glued to social media or texting 24/7, but I recognize the importance of being able to communicate in an emergency. It’s usually stashed away in a back pocket and always protected by an Otter Box case. Glock 19 Don’t get me wrong, I love this gun, but to be totally honest I’d prefer to carry a SIG P320 Carry. My duty gun is a Glock 17, and I have difficulty switching between the two brands without point-of-aim issues, so I compromise with the 19 for EDC. It’s reliable and has enough bullets that I don’t always need to carry a second magazine. It can be found in one of two Safariland paddle holsters depending on the situation. My preference is to have the SureFire light mounted when I can. Benchmade Triage Auto Knife I always have this in one of my front pockets. I upgraded from the original version that I carried and used for several years. It’s a strong, dependable knife that’s multifunction. I’ve used the glass-breaking spike twice on vehicle crashes to access victims and

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I use (and abuse) the blade almost daily. And no, the tip isn’t broken; it’s made that way. Suunto Ambit Watch/GPS This watch has been on my left wrist since my Army Medevac days in Helmand, Afghanistan (2012-2013). I bought it to serve as a watch and GPS at the time. I’ve used it to track and log combat missions, civilian medevac flights, hikes, runs, etc. Sometimes I even use it to tell the time. Streamlight ProTac 1AA This light is small, reliable, and bright. I like that it uses a AA battery. It’s always in my left front pocket. EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL EVERYDAY-CARRY PHILOSOPHY Coming from a rural community, there are a lot of people with the, “It won’t happen to me” attitude. It’s my belief that I better be part of the solution, not the problem, when “it” happens to me or in my presence. That’s why I carry the items I do. My biggest fear is that of standing by helplessly, because I was unprepared that day. Along with that, I think discreetness is paramount; open-carry is always a no-go for me unless I’m on duty.

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ON-THE-GO OPTIONS FOR CONCEALED CARRY BY CANDICE HORNER

Figuring out ways to carry concealed

the security of having it can give you

per spray is a viable option, but there

can be intimidating in and of itself,

peace of mind. If you have to draw your

have been plenty of published incidents

but add an activity, like running, and

gun, an attacker will likely retreat. The

where an attacker can ight through

many people opt to go unarmed. The

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

the pepper spray. In our last issue of

easy option is to not carry the gun,

found that criminals run 55.5 percent

CONCEALMENT, Chuck Haggard gave

but you don’t have to sacriice safety

of the time when faced with a gun.

an in-depth how-to on using pepper

for comfort. In this article, we lay out

There are plenty of non-lethal self-

several options for carrying while run-

defense products marketed toward

ning, hiking, walking, or working out.

runners, and they’re a step in the right

spray. Check out RECOILweb.com for his lesson on “How to Pepper Spray.” Making the conscious decision to

direction. But they have their flaws.

be prepared is always better than

Products that alert others nearby with a

ignoring possible dangers. And if

loud sound or ping law enforcement via

there’s an escalation of force, having

immediately on the defensive. An at-

an app put your life in someone else’s

a weapon may give you the upper

tacker relies on the element of surprise,

hands. Sharp rings or handheld weap-

hand when confronted with violence,

and he/she has the advantage from the

ons could deter an attacker if you end

or it will at least even the odds, al-

start. In reality, you’ll probably never

up in a hand-to-hand altercation, but

lowing you to end a confrontation in

even need to pull your gun out, but

if the attacker has a gun, you lose. Pep-

your favor.

BUT WHY? In the event of an attack, you are

ACTIVELY ARMED

Above left: Hill People Gear’s Kit Bag Above right: Black Point Tactical’s Outback Chest System

CARRY OPTIONS

Black Point Tactical’s Outback Chest System is a minimalist chest-

and have been around for a long

concealed is imperative because you

carry option. This would not be a

time, but some of us are adamantly

shouldn’t be reminded of the gun

concealed option unless you wear

opposed to them because — aside

with every step you take. It should

a jacket or vest over the holster.

from screaming, “There’s a gun in

rest securely and not thump or flop

The Outback Chest System is so

here!” — they’re innately dorky.

around. And the weight of the carry

lightweight that it’s easy to forget

Internal belts are one of the best

option should be distributed evenly

you’re wearing it. The kydex holster

options for carrying during physical

to prevent unnecessary fatigue or

keeps the gun secure, but just like

activities and truly keep your goods

soreness. To determine how to carry,

other chest-carry options, it’ll thump

concealed. Most bellyband-style hol-

first consider which activity you’ll be

around unless you tighten down the

sters are stretchy and provide several

doing. With more physical move-

straps when you run.

options for stufing other items into

Finding a comfortable way to carry

ment, more retention is needed. Carry options at chest level keep

Most people carry their pistol on

the pockets. For example, you can

their waist. But running shorts don’t

carry your pistol, backup magazine,

the gun high and easily acces-

have belt loops, and using a standard

sible, but they’re not as discreet.

inside-the-waistband holster causes

Hill People Gear’s Kit Bag can play double duty, carrying the gun and

Right: Bellyband made of double layer elastic strip with Velcro can carry your pistol, backup magazine, knife, cell phone, and ID card

sagging. Fanny packs are an option

other small items. The weight of the Kit Bag is evenly distributed with a mesh H-harness across your back. If you plan to run with this bag, we recommend you also purchase the Stabilizer Strap to prevent the bag from pounding against your chest.

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Sport Belt by Can Can Concealment knife, cell phone, and

Instead, we put the retention strap

and cant the manufacturer determined

over the back of the slide so that it

for gun placement. Concealment cloth-

wouldn’t interfere with getting a positive

ing is pricier, and you’ll likely want to

equal, though. Some are as simple

grip on the pistol during the draw. The

wash it after each wear, so its versatility

as a double layer elastic strip with

downside to concealment clothing is

is more limited compared to options

Velcro. But the Sport Belt by Can

that you’re stuck with whatever position

that go under or over clothing.

ID card. Not all bellybands are created

Can Concealment has features that make it one of the best options as a bellyband. Grippy strips on the top and bottom inside the belt hold it in place, and the belt is contour-cut, with the top being slightly shorter than the bottom. The holster pockets are slanted for better seating of the gun, and sewn in at the bottom of those pockets is a small magnet to further secure the gun in place. We ran, jumped, rode a bike, and even did cartwheels with the Sport Belt, and the gun stayed in place. Concealment clothing is another option. There are shirts that tuck away a pistol under your arm, and pants that have an extra layer in the waistband to make a gun pocket. Undertech Undercover makes the widest variety of concealment clothing. We’ve used their leggings and shorts. Newer Undertech Undercover designs include a retention strap, which the company shows placed over the backstrap. We found that carrying it as the company’s images suggest results in a slow, awkward draw. You either have to use your support hand to move the strap or incorporate moving the strap with your dominant hand into your drawstroke routine.

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ACTIVELY ARMED BE PROFICIENT Responsible gun owners understand the importance of training with their weapon for proficiency. A gun is no good if you don’t know how to use it effectively. The same is true for your holster. If you can’t get the pistol out of the holster, you’re screwed. When you get the holster you’ll use during physical activities, practice drawing your gun from it. Just like any new holster, there’ll be a learning curve until you can consistently draw your weapon.

FINAL THOUGHTS The way you choose to carry is as personal as the handgun you select. Each holster has to it your needs and continue to meet your expectations. Explore ways to be actively armed so that you don’t have to forego safety in the name of exercise. C

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR CARRY OPTIONS The Well Armed Woman: thewellarmedwoman.com Undertech Undercover: undertechundercover.com Can Can Concelament: cancanconcealment.com Black Point Tactical: blackpointtactical.com Hill People Gear: hillpeoplegear.com

Undertech Undercover leggings and shorts feature gun pockets built into the waistband.

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that specializes in custom 1911 and 2011s with delivery times that range from days for semi-customs, to four to six months for full custom, open-class guns.

WHAT’S A 2011 We’ll take a second to explain what a 2011 is, in case you’re one of those people who like guns that work without constant attention.

ATLAS GUNWORKS’ NEW 2011 EDC 3.5 CARRY GUN THINKS IT’S A RACE GUN BY ROB CURTIS

A good 1911 is an incredibly accurate irearm. By way of gross oversimpliication, this is thanks to the pistol’s inherently crisp, single-action trigger and the way the barrel is held in the slide. But one of the longstanding gripes against the single-stack platform is that it’s limited to a 7- to 9-round magazine capac-

Atlas Gunworks is a newish venture started by competitive shooter Adam Nilson and his

ity, depending on caliber. In 1993, Virgil Tripp and Sandy Strayer

machinist buddy, Tod West. Nilson wrangled

addressed the mag capacity issue by

West into building him a few pistols when he

introducing a double-stack version of the

couldn’t endure the wait times 2011 shops

gun, calling it the 2011. Their design

were quoting him for a new gun.

left the 1911’s top end and ire controls

Nilson started shooting competitions with a

pretty much unchanged, but turned John

Glock, then wanted to move up, and so began

Browning’s receiver into two separate parts,

his relationship with the 2011. “The wait time

a wide, plastic grip and the serialized frame,

for a 2011 was like a year and half to two

comprising the slide rails and ire control

years,” says Nilson. So he bought a used STI,

group. Strayer and Tripp called their company

then an Ininity. By the time he was ready to

STI, and it continues to make well-regarded

get a new gun, wait times weren’t any better,

2011 pattern pistols today.

so he did what any enterprising American would, he decided to make his own gun. Nilson says, “The path looked like it was

STI’s patent protection on the 2011 modular receiver expired in 2012. This released a swell of 2011 development and products.

going to be buy a gun, wait six months, a

Gunsmiths immediately began working on

year, or two years for it, then send it to some-

ways to improve the original plastic grip,

one else to have the trigger done, wait for it,

known to crack. Aluminum 2011 grips were

then send it somebody else for coating ... and

developed ... or redeveloped. STI tried to

on and on.” He couldn’t ind a one-stop shop

make them years back, but they cracked too

that’d build his gun and build it quickly. He

and weren’t enough of an improvement on

sensed an opportunity in the gun market and

the original plastic grips to gain acceptance.

within a few years, Nilson and West were run-

That brings us to Atlas Gunworks and its

ning a full-time gun manufacturing operation

7075 aluminum-gripped 2011 EDC 3.5.

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HOLD UP SIZABLE ADVANTAGES 2011s are big and heavy. It’s actually one of the platform’s beneits, and why it’s the choice of so many pistol competitors … and so few concealed carriers. Combine a heavy gun with a light caliber, and it’s not hard to understand the competitor’s attraction to 9mm 2011s. The pistol tracks like a bloodhound and holds a squad’s worth of rounds. But the size and weight makes them impractical when it comes to carrying concealed for selfdefense. That’s why the promise of a lightweight, compact 2011 from an up-and-coming custom house piqued our interest, and likely the interest of competitive shooters already well aware of the 2011’s blessings that are on the lookout for a carry piece too. So the Atlas EDC 3.5 is a pistol with the DNA of a race gun and the balls of a carry gun. It provides the top end accuracy and legendary trigger of the 1911 and the capacity of a service pistol with the footprint of a carry gun.

CONTROLS The EDC’s trigger is miles ahead of any carry gun we’ve ingered. We averaged the break at 3.65 pounds after 30 pulls. We usually only need 10 pulls to get an average reading, but with 10 pulls in a row varying by only an ounce, we kept going until we got bored. Even then, we only found a 4-ounce spread between the highest and lowest pulls. That’s impressive. Swings of 8 ounces or more are common with factory triggers. We suspect that level of consistency has something to do with the

Atlas Gunworks’ coowner Tod West works on a magwell for one of the company’s race guns. The operation grew quickly over the past few years and continues to grow as Atlas expands it’s catalog of self-manufactured parts.

to, inside and out. The parts were all

where you want them without needing

hand-engraved with numbers, evi-

to buy a longer or shorter shoe. Out of

dence that all these bits of metal were

the box, the trigger has 0.04 inch of

hand-it to work as one. When you

take-up with another 0.05 inch to the

think about all the parts of a 2011,

end of the stroke.

every edge that meets another has the

The ambidextrous thumb safety

potential to produce a burr. And one

falls exactly under our thumb and

burr in those 50-plus, close-itting

feels rock solid when run from either

parts is all it takes to stop the show in

side of the slide. There’s no slop and

the 1911/2011 platform.

no play. It’s wide and easy to sweep

highly polished sear and disconnec-

The trigger itself is a German

tor. When we pulled the guts out of

Geppert X-Line Vario trigger with a

heavier than a flick-and-forget race

the gun, the EGW sear and disco

curved face, and adjustable pretravel,

gun safety, as it should be on a carry

nearly blinded us — now we know

overtravel, and length of pull. That last

gun. The beavertail is disabled but

why there’s a wall of rotary tools on

one is pretty cool. The trigger shoe

not pinned, and we’re ine with that.

the bench in the Atlas workshop.

is connected to the bow by a screw,

Its extended, non-ambi mag release

As we looked, we realized every

allowing you to set the length of pull

works and doesn’t get in the way of

so the shoe and inger connect exactly

our support hand grip.

single edge on the pistol was attended

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up and down, though it’s a little

ERGOS As big as it is, the aluminum grip is damned comfortable, though. The pistol included an A-Zone custom laser-cut rubberized overlay we felt was overkill after a few range sessions. At 1.34 inches with the tape, the grip felt like a beer can. We pulled it off, rubbed the newly exposed grip with some Goo Gone, and relished the control we gained with the now 1.25-inchwide grip. We hoped to ind 20 LPI checkering underneath the grip tape on the front strap, but no dice. Still,

Atlas matches the surface hardness of the hammer and sear at 50RC so the parts wear evenly and have a 50K-100K round lifespan.

We dumped the mag into a 12-inch

as fast to pick up as anything, and the

steel square at 10 yards and felt like

U-notch 10-8 rear is flawless, but by

we couldn’t miss no matter how fast

the time you read this, Atlas will be

we shot.

shipping guns with its own, in-house

Oh, and this was with +P ammo; +P

manufactured sight.

the reduced girth gave us a better grip

in the heavy, but well-balanced pistol

… and that’s ine as long as we don’t

feels like shooting subsonic loads.

KKM 3.5-inch barrel. Atlas custom

get heavy palm sweats.

The zippy Black Hills 115 +Ps take

angles and polishes the feed ramp.

our Glock 19 for a ride, but the EDC

Nilson says it takes about 20 hours to

3.5 shrugs and quickly falls back on

build one of these guns, and three of

target with little input. Driving this

those hours are spent itting the barrel.

gun is easy.

The tight groups we saw tell us that’s

ACCURACY The EDC shone during paper and steel sessions. We printed under an inch at 20 yards with two of our

The sights contributed to our

four test loads. But the racegun fun

conidence. Shooting IPSC targets on

came out when we wanted to test

walk-back drills no matter how far we

how the gun tracks and returns when

went was like shooting the broadside

run hard. The EDC didn’t disappoint.

of a barn. The iber optic up front is

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We should also mention the hand-it

time well spent.

EXTRACTION It’s a 1911 operating system. We expected some issues. We had a couple.

HOLD UP Wilson flat wire recoil spring from 13

PERFORMANCE AMMO

AVG VELOCITY (FPS)

EXTREME SPREAD

STANDARD DEVIATION

BLACK HILLS 115 TAC-XP +P

1,126

BLACK HILLS 124GR JHP

1,123

pounds to 14 pounds to run +P ammo instead of adjusting the extractor. BEST 5- SHOT GROUP, 20 YARDS (INCHES)

0.85

His reasoning is that the range of 9mm case measurements vary enough that Atlas wants to err on the side that

1.22

has the best chance of working with the most ammo. That means running

WINCHESTER 147GR RANGER RA9T

964

14.5

0.8

BLAZER 115GR FMJ

1,104

1.7

the extractor a little on the forgiving end. They make up for it by tuning the recoil spring to slow the slide. This makes it less likely for the spent case to get jarred out from under the ejector claw on the way back and miss the ejector. John Browning gives no free lunch, though. This approach leaves the pistol vulnerable to short stroking with less powerful ammunition. Choose your poison, but we’d rather adjust the extractor to it a range of good ammo and skip the cheap stuff. Who spends $5K on a pistol and runs steel-cased crap through it, anyway?

MAG DRAMA The other problem we ran into was two rounds of our 600-round eval hanging up on the feed ramp. Nilson says it’s a known issues with the recently released second generation STI 2011 mag and followers. We uncovered an extraction/ejec-

rules you. You pull the extractor on the

According to Nilson, STI stopped

tion issue with our mag-out iring

spot and bend it until it behaves itself.

making its original mags, forcing him

test. It’s standard practice to load the

Finding the sweet spot by tweaking

to igure out how to tune the updated

chamber, drop the mag and ire the

that rod a tiny bit at a time means ap-

mags on the fly. STI mag necks have

gun to evaluate the extractor tension.

plying all of your senses, patience, and

to be narrowed to run reliably. This is

With no round beneath for a buddy

remaining ammo as you break down

called mag “tuning,” and if you own

carry assist, the extractor has to hang

the pistol, reassemble, shoot, and re-

a 2011, you may tune your mags as

on to that empty case like a big boy

peat. It’s a uniquely 1911 thing. Some

often as Glock owners don’t clean

and get it all the way to the ejector on

might think it’s a pain in the ass, but

their guns. When Atlas gets STI mags,

its own. When that doesn’t happen,

1911 proponents know in their hearts

it tunes the neck to a set width that

it generally causes a 1911-signature

that John Browning made it this way

prevents rounds of that caliber from

stovepipe malfunction. That’s what we

so they could ix their guns in the ield

stalling in the neck as two side-by-

found with the EDC 3.5 when we shot

with minimal tools.

side rounds cam against each other

our Black Hills 115 +P ammo. It didn’t

We spoke with Atlas’s Nilson, and

and the mag walls.

exhibit this issue with any standard

he wasn’t surprised to hear our report.

pressure loads.

He said the +P ammo is increasing

from STI, measuring 0.610 inch, and

slide velocity, so slowing it a bit would

Atlas sized the original, Gen 1 mags

treat the pistol like a bad dog and

help the extractor hang on to the case

to 0.580. After testing, the company

show it who’s boss before it thinks it

under recoil. He said he’d up the stock

now sizes the Gen 2 mags to 0.560.

The commonly advocated ix is to

Nilson says the mags often come

HOLD UP

WRAP UP

SPECS

Look. It’s a $5,000 hand-it pistol.

ATLAS GUNWORKS

It shoots great. Well, better than great,

3.5 EDC

actually. A carry gun that prints groups

CALIBER: 9mm

like a race gun and carries a combat

BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inches

load of ammo? Yes, please. Sure, it’s

OVERALL LENGTH: 7.2 inches

porky but we’ve all got our winter carry

WEIGHT UNLOADED: 36.5 ounces

guns, right?

MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 17+1

It comes with a serviceable IWB hol-

TRIGGER PULL WEIGHT: 3.6 pounds

ster from Red Hill Tactical that we ran

MSRP: $4,750

AIWB for a few weeks without spilling

URL: atlasgunworks.com

the gun. It’s hefty, no sugar coating

LIGHT: SureFire XC1 $299

Stay with us … it’ll all make sense in

the nearly 3 pounds (loaded) of metal

PRICE AS FEATURED: $5,049

a sec.

you’re toting, but that weight falls away when the gun comes out and we have

To make matters worse, the initial

the conidence to aim small as can be.

follower design in the updated STI

We weren’t happy, or surprised, about

mag was a little loose, causing incon-

feed, so the decision to drop $5K on a carry gun is going to fall flat on

sistent spring pressure as it rose in the

the stovepiping and failure-to-load

the bathroom floor every time. There

mag. STI put out a redesigned follower

issues that cropped up. But, we’re con-

are just too many capable sub $1K

a few weeks after we got our test

ident a little extractor or recoil spring

guns in the display case to walk past

tuning will cure the gun’s fear of +P

before we’d get to the EDC 3.5. But, if

ammo, and hopeful that the mag update

money wasn’t a concern, and/or your

will remedy the issue that caused the

racegun’s been begging for a sibling,

two misfed rounds we logged.

we can tell you that shooting this Atlas

pistol. So, it turns out we’re using the STI Gen 2 mag with the initial, flawed follower and Atlas’s older, 0.580-sized neck value. Nilson says the mags with the updated follower and 0.560 neck are running 9mm ine.

We peeled off that AZone custom-cut grip cover and relished how much better the grip felt after shrinking it by as little as a tenth of an inch.

We’re practical here at RECOIL. We have bills to pay and guns to

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

has ruined all those ine $800 pistols for us. C

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HYBRID FOLDING SIGHTS

HOW TO PRESERVE PERSONAL SAFETY WHILE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE BY HANA BILODEAU

When preparing to travel, we typically

to help deter violence in airports and on

gency, people commonly look to them as

think of how to artfully pack our suitcase

aircrafts. Although this has arguably in-

the sole providers of protection and safety.

to make it past TSA regulations. We’re

creased safety while in transit, it has left

But we can’t count on others for an instant,

often annoyed by the inconvenience of se-

some people feeling helpless once they

effective response. This is even more of a

curity measures, while trying to navigate

arrive at their final destination.

concern when traveling in an unknown area,

busy and sometimes unfamiliar airports.

Believe it or not, most Americans rely on

Unfortunately, most don’t see the bigger

others for their personal safety. Whether

picture. In the wake of Sept. 11, stricter

it’s the TSA, military, law enforcement, or

screening procedures were put in place

private security, in the wake of an emer-

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

state, or country that prevents you from carrying a irearm or a handheld weapon. Former federal air marshal Richard A. St. Pierre suggests that personal safety

400tmax/istockphoto.com

and accountability is always having an

that happen in our backyard? On October

to other “universal” safety rituals, like

entrance and exit plan whether it’s at

1, 2017, at the Route 91 Harvest Music

installing smoke detectors in our homes

home, the airport, a restaurant, or a

Festival held in Las Vegas, Nevada, a

in case of a fire, wearing seatbelts while

foreign country. There are measures you

gunman opened fire on concertgoers from

driving in case of an accident, and locking

can take to maintain your personal safety

the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel,

our doors to deter theft. Still, the average

in spite of restrictions imposed by your

killing 58 and injuring more than 400.

American neglects daily practices focus-

travel. But first, we’ll review some statis-

Our goal isn’t to talk about what the vic-

ing on personal protection.

tics and events that’ll hopefully help you

tims might’ve done, but to acknowledge

understand why it’s important to be more

that evil exists and prepare ourselves to

that you can take to increase your aware-

prepared when traveling.

combat it as best we can.

ness and safety before, during, and after

Here are some recommended steps

travelling.

In January 2013, Sarai Sierra, a

Studies show that, as of 2013, the

33-year-old Staten Island mother and

average response time for law enforce-

wife, was killed while traveling in Turkey.

ment nationwide is 11 to 18 minutes.

During an interview, her killer stated that

Conversely, a commonly cited statistic

The first step in protecting ourselves,

after drinking alcohol and sniffing paint

is that the average gunfight lasts three

or loved ones at home or on the road is

thinner he stumbled upon Sierra, who was

seconds, while a shooting incident lasts

having a plan. Whether it includes carry-

walking alone. He told authorities that he

approximately 12.5 minutes. These statis-

ing a firearm or an edged weapon, being

attempted to kiss her and she resisted,

tics suggest that, on average, we may not

proficient in hand-to-hand combat, or

striking him with her cell phone. Then, he

be able to rely on others for help when

simply being able to remain calm, think,

dragged her into an alcove, where she at-

we most need it, and we’re ultimately

react, and communicate appropriately. It’s

tempted to fight him off for approximately

responsible for our own safety. With these

important to identify a survival resource

30 minutes. Some would conclude that

numbers at our disposal it may be hard to

and train it consistently, helping to de-

traveling alone in Istanbul, Turkey, simply

understand why daily habits of prepared-

velop an ingrained mental pathway for our

isn’t safe. But what about the incidents

ness aren’t more common compared

safety habits.

C O N C E A L M E N T

BEFORE TRAVEL

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

TRAVELERS BEWARE indigosmx/istockphoto.com

If you’re traveling domestically, carrying a firearm once you arrive at your destination may be an option, but first you must research the firearms and carry laws of that locality. Does it have reciprocity with your home state? If not, what are the local licensing laws? If flying with a firearm or handheld weapon, you should check with both TSA and the airline to ensure you follow proper procedures to do so. For international travel, you don’t have this option. Prior to travel, research your destination. If flying into an airport or arriving in a train station, look into the various modes of transportation within the area and how to access them. For example, is public transportation a practical option and known to be safe? To get an idea about crime trends throughout

eras and GPS locators. If traveling interna-

No Anonymity: Passengers are given a

the transiting area, check out the free crime

tionally, not all cabs are regulated. If using

driver’s name, photo, vehicle information,

reporting website Spotcrime.com. It’s light

a cab, you’re better off calling for one rather

and contact number. The trip is also kept

on details, but it’ll give you an idea of what

than hailing one. When the cab arrives, look

on record.

areas have high instances of crime.

for numbers and labeling on the outside.

GPS Tracking: Once your driver accepts

On the inside, look for a meter, radio, and

you request, your trip is tracked via GPS on

tify reputable companies and pick-up loca-

badge. Know where you’re going and be

your phone and the driver’s phone. You also

tions ahead of time and know whether or not

aware of local currency conversions.

have the ability to share your ride with your

If you’re using taxi or car services, iden-

they’re regulated in that area. In the U.S.,

Other popular transportation options are

friends or family so they can keep track of your ride.

taxi services are regulated and have set

ride-sharing services, such as Uber, UberX,

prices in each state; they generally offer two

or Lyft. Most ride-share services have come

to three different price brackets for daytime,

under regulation — the respective state

reviewed by passengers on a scale of 1 to 5.

nighttime, and peak hours. Furthermore,

and territory governments have set varying

Drivers may have their accounts deactivated

most taxis are outitted with security cam-

requirements on drivers before they’re eli-

if they consistently receive low ratings.

gible for work. Uber

areas plagued with high crime and avoid

required to hold a

them if possible. Crimereports.com is a great

state-based driver

way to search crime data by region, address,

authority (much like

zip code, or law enforcement agency.

Having a plan and knowing where you’re

usually involves a

going will reduce any unnecessary loitering

criminal history and

that could reveal to predators that you’re

medical check as

unfamiliar with the area.

well as providing

C O N C E A L M E N T

Make sure to note any neighborhoods or

drivers are generally

a taxi driver), which

AntonioGuillem/istockphoto.com

Rating System: Drivers are anonymously

If staying in a hotel, try to find a known,

proof of insurance.

reputable brand. Most hotel chains have

Aside from regula-

a rewards program and website to book

tions most ride-

reservations through, which often include a

share services have

star rating system. When making your res-

a number of dif-

ervation, request a room off of the ground

ferent parameters

floor. Higher floors help prevent someone

in place to ensure

from walking in off the street and easily

passengers safety

gaining access to your room. Once your

to include:

reservation is made, record the hotel’s ad-

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

KatarzynaBialasiewicz/istockphoto.com

DON’T ADVERTISE SOLO TRAVEL OR THAT YOU’RE A TOURIST. YOU COULD INADVERTENTLY PUT YOURSELF AT RISK IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE AMONGST THE WRONG CROWD.

DO Online research of crime reports in the area you intend to stay. Lock sensitive items up in a hotel safe and copies of identification on your person. Call for a taxi from an accredited company or ride-sharing service rather than hailing one. Periodically check your bank and credit card statements to watch for any fraudulent activity.

DON’T Leave drinks unattended or accept any from strangers. Travel alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Post information on social media regarding your whereabouts and status abroad until after you return home. Leave receipts, boarding passes, and other information that can be used to identify you behind in hotel rooms.

dress and contact information, and store it

etiquette for the areas you’ll be visiting,

utilize any additional security locks. Note

somewhere that you can easily access once

whether in or out of the United States.

that not all hotel doors have supplemental

you arrive. Fumbling through your personal

Remember that anything you say or do in

security features, so consider travelling

belongings creates distractions and oppor-

public can be overheard or observed. Like

with a rubber or tactical doorstop with

tunities for human predators.

the World War II saying “loose lips sink

which you can chock the door from the in-

ships,” gabbing openly about your plans,

side to make it harder for someone to force

tions through an online hospitality service

where you’re staying, or how excited you

access. If there’s a safe in the room, always

that rents private residences like Airbnb

are to finally get out on your own could in-

keep identification papers and high-dollar

or VRBO, knowing the area becomes even

advertently put you at risk if you happen to

items locked up. If an in-room safe isn’t

more important. Is the area of the rental

be amongst the wrong crowd. Do your best

available, the front desk may have a safe

safe? Is it accessible to public transporta-

to favor well-lit areas with lots of public

deposit box. When leaving your room, place

tion? Will it be owner-occupied while you’re

traffic. If you plan to drink alcoholic bever-

the do not disturb card on the outside

renting? Is there parking available at or

ages, know your limits, don’t leave drinks

of the door and leave the radio or TV on.

near the rental, if renting a car or driving to

unattended, and don’t accept drinks from

This will make your room appear occupied,

your destination? Always know whom you’re

strangers. The importance of selecting a

especially when traveling alone.

renting from by reading previous renter

reputable car services applies doubly when

reviews and renting from a verified source.

you’re tipsy. We know of several people

check the safe for personal items. Do a

who’ve been mugged or worse because they

full sweep of your hotel room to ensure you

had one too many and assumed that once

don’t leave any personal affects behind.

they got in a cab everything would be fine.

Make sure not to leave anything in the trash

If you’ve booked your travel accommoda-

DURING TRAVEL Don’t advertise solo travel or that you’re

Prior to checking out of the hotel, double-

that could be used to identify you, such as

a tourist. Always move with confidence

The loose lips rule applies to hotel staff

even if you feel unsure. Don’t be flashy

equally as anyone else. Have just one key-

old boarding tickets, receipts, mail, or agen-

with clothing or accessories. If traveling in-

card made for your room, to help prevent

das. Although most hotels have stopped at-

ternationally, be sure to know local customs

misplacing or losing track of keys. When in

taching personal information to room keys,

and dress accordingly. Be aware of cultural

your room, make sure to lock the door and

turn in or take hotel keys with you.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

TRAVELERS BEWARE Map courtesy ControlRisks.com

to make sure you didn’t leave anything

mean that risks are no longer present.

dence that you booked through an online

behind. Also, run periodic checks of your

We often become complacent in our daily

hospitality service, preparedness is para-

bank accounts and credit card statements

routines, and it’s just as important for us to

mount to your safety. Communicate through

to make sure none of your accounts were

maintain vigilance while conducting daily ac-

the site you book through, set expectations

compromised. It’s also a good practice to

tivities. Whether you’re traveling to and from

with your host for your visit ahead of time,

occasionally check your credit statement

work, to another state, across the country, or

and don’t leave personal items behind.

for fraudulent activity.

internationally, personal accountability and

Again, if you’re staying at a private resi-

Maintain awareness in all senses of the

preparedness are the two most important

airport or in any major transportation hub.

word. Just because you safely made it back

factors to ensure that you and your loved

Hundreds of thousands of people transit

to the comforts of your own home doesn’t

ones don’t become victims. C

Try to remain especially alert at the

through these various networks on a daily basis from all over the world, making it a target-rich environment. As always, maintain accountability for your personal items and never leave them unattended. If you forget

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

this last part, the incessant loudspeaker an-

Hana L. Bilodeau has over 15 years of law enforcement experience, serving both locally and federally. Most

nouncements in most major airports will no

recently, she spent time with the Federal Air Marshal Service covering multiple domestic and international

doubt remind you.

missions. Hana has a wealth of knowledge in a number of different defensive modalities to include her present role as a full-time firearms instructor for SIG SAUER Academy. Hana is also a per diem deputy with

AFTER TRAVEL Even after travelling, safety is para-

the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, allowing her to stay current with the law enforcement culture. www.sigsaueracademy.com

mount. Once home, check your luggage

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

THE Q1S TAKES AIM AT THE AMERICAN CCW MARKET BY IAIN HARRISON PHOTOS BY KENDA LENSIEGNE

We covered Grand Power’s fullsized, rotary-

to the G19 anyway, why would we go against

factory to the north, it follows a conventional

locked 10mm in CONCEALMENT Issue 3

that particular trend? Striker ired and poly-

layout, having its rails on the outside of the

and came away pleasantly surprised by its

mer framed, its 13+1 capacity puts it in the

frame. This is a good thing, as it’s beveled

ergonomics and feature set. Since then, their

wheelhouse of what’s popularly thought of

to reduce both mass and proile — if it rode

product line has expanded, and the Q1S

as the sweet spot of serious carry guns. But

inside the frame rails, there wouldn’t be a

seems targeted squarely at the consumer who

the Slovenians have their own way of doing

whole lot to grab when it came to stoppage

believes the Glock 19 is the answer, no mat-

things, and this handgun is a reflection of

drills. Fortunately, the manufacturer has seen

ter what the question might be.

that design philosophy.

it to bestow it with forward serrations, for

One of the irst things that stands out

BY THE NUMBERS Grand Power delivers a pistol that its in

those of us who prefer to manipulate the slide

upon picking up the gun is that indeinable

in this manner, and they’re decently sized

it in the hand, not at all reminiscent of a

and aggressive.

the box deined by Gaston’s most popular

chunk of bar stock nailed to a 2x4. While its

Likewise, the ejection port is generously

creation, and as everyone else will compare it

slide looks at irst glance to hail from the CZ

proportioned and chamfered to make sure

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

GRAND POWER empty cases are flung clear of the

The Q1S barrel is conventionally

Our test gun’s inish started off like this. We caused it to rust after just a couple of range sessions.

ixed-barrel HK P7, it’s very close,

chamber, while the steel three-dot sights

rifled, six-groove, right twist, and 3.7

are dovetailed and pinned. The front

inches long, locking to the slide by

sight could stand to be a smidge taller

means of a large, single lug, about

in order to aid speed of acquisition, and

½-inch forward of the chamber. A he-

lineage to small arms developments

the rear would beneit from a more verti-

lical cam groove at the 6 o’clock posi-

that occurred just over Slovenia’s

cal forward edge to enable one-handed

tion rotates the barrel in much the

western border in the early part of

manipulations, but they’re usable as-is.

same way as its ancient predecessor,

the 20th century. The Roth-Steyr’s

The almost-standard iring pin drop

the 1912-vintage Steyr Hahn, rather

striker has been ripped off by just

safety and striker tail can be found in

than employing a more conventional

about every purveyor of plastic fan-

the almost-standard locations, though

Browning-style tilting lockup. Because

tastics, and while the GP’s operating

there’s been a fair amount of lightening

of this, there’s no integral feed ramp,

system hearkens to another Steyr

work done to the slide’s underside. While

though there’s a slight bevel to the

design dating prior to WWI, the

it might look like it’s inished in the

chamber edge to help with getting

lower half of the pistol makes use of

same way as most of its contemporaries,

rounds from the magazine. When

a more recent innovation from the

that flat black coating is just a basic

unlocked, there’s almost no step for

same Austrian company.

industrial oxide. Unfortunately, here in

the new round to negotiate, as it’s as

the Arizona desert, hands tend to get a

near as dammit a straight line from

little sweaty during time at the range,

the feed lips to the chamber. While

and after just a few sessions, rust began

the path isn’t quite as clean as a

to form everywhere we’d fondled it. We hate to think what would happen after a few days riding in an IWB holster in Florida or Georgia.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

and we don’t foresee failures to feed ever being a signiicant problem. The entire gun owes much of its

the scene in 1982. It has beneited from the reinements forced by users since then and features an undercut trigger guard, grip texturing, and Pic rail under the dust cover. It also has a pair of domed buttons above the beavertail, serving to blank off a hole where a manual safety could be added, should someone in a position to place a large order for such a variant demand it. There’s a slight thumb shelf molded into the sides, which also serves as a fence to prevent inadvertent activation of the ambidextrous mag catch. We

It’s a chassis gun, and unlike the one employed by SIG in the P320, this one is CNC’d from bar stock, rather than being a sheetmetal stamping. It’s nicely executed with long frame rails and a highly polished feed ramp, which may seem like overkill given the magazine’s high-feed position — the top round barely contacts it before the bullet’s tip enters the chamber.

There are a lot of sweet design touches here, like the inely machined chassis and rotary-locked barrel. For those with an aversion to modern manufacturing process, the only MIM part is the heavily sprung extractor, just visible next to the breech block.

The chassis houses all of the pistol’s

experienced some stickiness during

lockwork, as well as the ejector and

our irst range session, as the catch

ambidextrous slide lock. The latter

was remarkably dificult to press and

hinges on a pin that passes through

gave the impression that its spring had

the outer part of the frame, also

been sourced from the rear axle of a

serving to capture the recoil spring

dump truck. Once it had been cycled

assembly — one less thing to misplace

a few times, this went away, and we

when ield stripping. The most highly

were able to reliably dump the mag

stressed part of the frame, namely the

with either hand.

barrel cam, is replaceable; loosely held

Like a Glock, the Q1S’s trigger

in the chassis, it’s a section of tool

has the usual gas pedal in its face,

steel rod that’s both free to rotate and

preventing it from being pulled unless

has its grain structure oriented at 90

the tab at the rear of the blade is

degrees to the frame rails.

pushed out of engagement with the

The rest of the frame is made of the

frame. Unlike the G, its striker is fully

same glass-illed nylon we’ve come to

cocked, which in theory should make

expect since the Glock 17 arrived on

for a shorter trigger pull. But this isn’t

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

GRAND POWER the case, as it takes about 3⁄8 inch to

best split times on the ’Gram, this

Once proven clear, pull the slide to

move it from initial takeup to the point

is deinitely not it. But not all of us

the rear, while pulling down the pair of

at which entertaining things happen

are that shallow. Think of it as a very

takedown tabs (think Glock) forward of

— there’s an overtravel stop sticking

smooth, very light, double-action trig-

the slide catch. Then lift the slide up

out from the rear of the trigger blade,

ger, which for a defensive pistol makes

off the frame rails and run it forward

a whole lot of sense.

to disengage the recoil spring. If this

which comes into play about 1⁄8 inch after the striker slips off the sear, so from pinning the trigger to reset takes about 1⁄2 inch. If you’re looking for a trigger that will allow you to post your

We were impressed by the soft-shooting characteristics of the rotary breech. Despite the DA trigger, rapid follow-up shots were easy to make.

Due to the rotary-locked barrel, the

sounds like the possession of a third

Q1S requires a different ield strip-

appendage might be a good idea, just

ping methodology than most pistols

wait till you try to put it back together.

in the cabinet of your local gun store.

While the process does get easier with

SPECS

GRAND POWER

Q1S

CALIBER: 9mm Luger BARREL LENGTH: 3.7 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 7 inches WEIGHT UNLOADED: 22 ounces MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 13 MSRP: $574 URL: grandpower.eagleimportsinc.com

practice, it’ll never be as intuitive or

to its nuances, that’s a good sign. The

simple as, say, a P226 or Beretta 92.

main human engineering factor that

Anyone with poor grip strength or less

allowed us to exploit its inherent accu-

patience than a special-needs teacher

racy was of course its trigger, which on

will probably feel an urge to fling the

paper seemed to be a handicap. After

Q1S across the garage the irst time

all, it’s no 1911.

they decide to clean it.

Extended baseplate is needed for a full grip and although the importer’s website lists capacity at 12 rounds, we had no issues when mags were crammed with 13.

Due to the very smooth, long pull,

The rest of the pistol’s functioning was entirely unremarkable. It went bang when it was supposed to, mags entered and left the grip without protest, and nothing fell off. In short, the Q1S did everything we demand of a carry gun; its low-ish bore axis

we were able to make conscious sight

and rotary-locked barrel made for

corrections all the way through our

a smooth recoil impulse. While we

trigger press. The shot broke without

did have a couple of issues with the

pistol, it was halfway through a train-

disturbing the sight picture, and there

inish choice for the slide and the

ing session, which had already pro-

was no stacking or grittiness what-

sights could stand some improve-

gressed to the 50-yard line. Loading

soever, while its overtravel was like

ment, the irst of these can be cured

up a full mag took some effort, as that

a period of mechanically mandated

with Cerakote and the second is a

new spring smell was in full effect, but

follow-through. Yes, the long reset

matter of personal preference. Over-

every one of our BBs found their way

did add a couple of hundredths to

all, the Grand Power is a competent

to the center of a steel IPSC target.

our split times, but in a self-defense

carry gun option, and one we’d feel

For a new pistol, right out of the box

application, is this really going to be a

comfortable sticking in a holster as

with no time to become accustomed

deciding factor?

part of our EDC. C

ROUNDS DOWNRANGE The very irst time we shot the test

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.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

A PRIMER ON EFFECTIVE THROWS AND SWEEPS BY CONRAD BUI

WHAT COMES UP

The date: March 13, 1998. The

first fight amongst modern-day hu-

event: Ultimate Fighting Champion-

mans ended up with the combatants

Throws are no doubt effective.

ships (UFC) 16. It’s the early days

rolling on the ground. Wrestling and

Here are five reasons to add throws

of the UFC, and cage fighting is

throwing have been around since

into your combatives training.

still banned in many states of the

time immemorial. In fact, a mural

union. Only hard-core combat sports

discovered in Egypt, dating back

in the opening paragraph, dumping

fans and devoted martial artists are

to 2,000 B.C., depicts a variety

someone on his noggin will end a ight

tuning in to watch the mayhem on

of wrestling positions. Grappling

quickly. In the cement jungle, throws

pay-per-view.

during a violent encounter almost

may have deadly consequences. Ad-

seems natural. It happens in almost

ditionally, unforgiving objects like ire hy-

weighing in at 180 pounds and sport-

every MMA match. In the sport of

drants or rocks can make throws lethal.

ing the physique of a Greek Adonis,

boxing, contestants are routinely

has his hands full against Russian

separated after they clinch up, and

attacker will have to make his way

kickboxer and undefeated Extreme

scores of YouTube videos record

back up to his feet to be effective.

Fighting Champion, Igor Zinoviev. The

fights that often involve grappling

This can buy valuable time to high-

bell sounds and the ref yells, “Let’s

of some sort, whether it be standing

tail it out of there.

get it on!” Only 22 seconds into the

or on the ground.

MMA legend Frank Shamrock,

ight, Shamrock dives in, picks up Zi-

Ends a Fight Quickly: As depicted

Speed Bump: Once on his butt, an

Shielding: During a multiple at-

Throws and sweeps — you’ve likely

tacker situation, a downed attacker

noviev, and throws him to the ground.

seen Steven Seagal, Jackie Chan, or

makes a great shield, slowing down

Zinoviev is knocked unconscious with

Bruce Lee throw opponents on their

the attack of other assailants.

a career-ending broken collarbone

asses on the big screen. Maybe your

Control: Putting someone on the

and a fractured C-5 vertebra. Sham-

favorite UFC fighter (like Shamrock)

ground will make life much easier,

rock barely broke a sweat with the

uses them. But just how easy is it to

if your goal is to control the rowdy

throw, marching off into UFC history

do, and how effective are throws in

rascal. Having the ground contacting

as a legend of the sport.

a SHTF scenario? Here we explore

and blocking the majority of a bad

what it means to dump a bad guy,

guy’s body will make escape diffi-

like a bad habit.

cult, giving you more dominance.

Grappling and throwing are as old as mankind, and most likely the

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

THE GRAND SLAM Advantage: If you have experience

It’s Complicated: Compared to

KNOW YOUR ROLL

in wrestling, sambo, judo, or jiu-jitsu,

strikes, sweeps and throws have more

you’ll have a huge advantage in the

moving parts. To execute successful

Looking for a new pastime? How about one where you’ll make

clinch. This will be especially true if

throws, more training time is required.

lifelong buddies, have fun, get into fabulous shape, and learn to

the only thing your opponent is used

This can be a good thing because

defend yourself during fights? Look no further than the grappling

to wrestling is his own conscience.

training will get us off our couch and

arts found at your local gym or recreational center. But where to

make us sweat. We’ll take it.

start? Here’s our guide to the most common grappling arts.

HOW TO PUT A BAD GUY DOWN

Aikido: Also called “the way of harmonious spirit,” Aikido is a

MUST COME DOWN As effective as throws can be, they’re not the panacea of combat-

Although there are a variety of

Japanese system that mixes joint locks with philosophy. If you’re

ives techniques. Throws may end a

throws from many different martial

looking for a system that’ll also teach you to be a better human

fight quickly, but they do have short-

arts, here we’ll focus on what we

being, while learning to subdue an attacker with the least amount

comings. Below are the drawbacks to

feel are the three most effective

of violence, this art is for you.

your slam fest.

and easy to apply: the back sweep, front sweep, and hip toss. Rounding

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A more modern interpretation

most violent confrontations happen in

out your combatives arsenal with

of traditional or Japanese Jujitsu (see below), BJJ emphasizes

close range, we recommend you make

these three techniques will make you

ground fighting, with the goal of gaining submission by joint

a quick exit if you can. Throws, by

better prepared when trouble comes

lock or choke. Many BJJ practitioners compete in tournaments

nature, require bad-breath distanc-

knocking. But first, let’s study how

to improve their skills and test themselves in a safe environ-

ing — recommended if you can avoid

to safely close to the requisite dis-

ment. You’ll often find this art taught alongside Thai boxing and

it. Run, hide, and (lastly) ight is the

tance for the throw-down.

wrestling in mixed martial arts gyms across the country. If you

Too Close for Comfort: Even though

like to get sweaty and lose weight, sign up.

formula we recommend. Size Matters: No matter what Yoda or any other master tells you, execut-

ENTER THE DRAGON Before attempting any throw,

Japanese Jujitsu: This is the original samurai art used as

ing a successful throw during an

you must be in the proper posi-

a last resort on the battleields of yore. Traditional jujitsu offers a

all-out violent encounter may require

tion; think hugging range. Against

well-rounded curriculum of strikes, kicks, joint locks, and throws.

some mass and strength. You may

punches, get your chin down and

Some schools teach katana (aka samurai sword) techniques, as

notice that grappling sports like wres-

hands up. Take a step forward and

well as basic ground ighting.

tling and judo are divided into weight

get your head close to the attacker’s

classes. This is to make the sport fair

head. Grab their shoulders or arms

Judo: A popular Olympic sport often found at your local rec-

for the little person, acknowledging

and hang on. Against a weapon (like

reational center. Judo involves the use of a “gi” or judo uniform

that big people have an advantage

a knife, club, or firearm), control-

that resembles a bathrobe on steroids. Throws and sweeps are

when you get all touchy-feely.

ling the attacker’s offending limb

the specialties of judo practitioners and ground fighting; along

Grounded: When attempting

is paramount for safety and proper

with submission holds are also practiced.

a throw, there’s always a chance

follow-up. With the weapon under

that you may end up on the ground

control, your strikes and throws will

Russian Sambo: This art is found in both the Russian

yourself. Falling to the ground may

have greater success.

military as well as Russian gyms. Stateside, sambo can be found in martial arts schools across the USA. It’s a combination

open up an entirely different can of worms if you’re not well-versed on the fine art of ground fighting. Also,

TENDERIZE Don’t feel that once you’re close

of judo, jujitsu, and wrestling. Strikes are also taught as part of the military version, and sambo tournaments can be found around the world.

the possibility of multiple attack-

to your attacker, you must sweep

ers makes floor-based-fighting an

or throw immediately. Feel free

absolute no-no.

to soften them up with any strike

Western Wrestling: An Olympic sport, freestyle

handy, including elbows and knees

wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling can also be found in high

armed with a knife or gun, getting all

(see RECOIL OFFGRID Issues 7 and

schools and colleges across the U.S. More recently, MMA gyms

close and personal for a throw may

16, respectively). The strikes will sap

are introducing wrestling programs into their curriculum to make

not be what the doctor ordered. Try-

the attacker’s will to fight and knock

their fighter’s repertoire more complete. Wrestlers train take-

ing to flip someone on his head can

them off-balance. Once tenderized

downs as well as ground controls and pins. It’s a grueling sport

go south really quickly, if a knife or

and tippy, success is almost guaran-

dominated by younger athletes. But make no mistake, wrestlers

firearm is presented mid-struggle.

teed. Now onto the throws! C

are tough SOBs.

Weapons: If your assailant is

What: A motion utilizing the foot or leg in a rearward direction to floor the assailant. The back sweep is the go-to move of many martial arts, combatives, and combat sports systems, especially judo. It’s easy to learn and involves the use of large muscles to put your assailant down. How: To execute a proper back sweep you must knock your attacker back with some sort of strike or push. The strike can be in the form of a punch, palm, elbow, or ingers to the eyes. The strike will cause your attacker to lean back. Once their balance is lost, immediately step to the outside of the opponent’s leg with your same side leg. A quick twist of your upper body, along with the rear sweep of your front leg will down the assailant. Once the perp is on the ground, there’s a decision to be made. You can control the attacker, continue to retaliate, or make a quick exit.

Knife Stab vs. Back Sweep Sherman Chin grabs a knife and prepares to go “psycho” on Conrad Bui. Bui recognizes the attack, steps in to parry the attack, and strike the eyes. The eye attack allows Bui to further off-balance Chin and makes the back sweep to the ground easy. The defender now has the opportunity to further continue the offense or run. 1

Baseball Bat vs. Back Sweep Seems like every apocalypse movie has a baseball bat attack somewhere. Here the attacker comes at Bui looking to hit a homerun. Bui immediately repositions himself within the arc of the strike and lands an elbow strike. The elbow strike is enough to off-balance the attacker and allows Bui to step behind the front leg. A quick back sweep to the ground, followed with a palm strike, ends the ight. 2

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

THE GRAND SLAM What: A forward motion of the foot and leg used

the arc of the strike. A lateral strike or push will

to off balance the attacker or to take them to the

setup the attacker for an easy sweep by taking

ground. The front sweep relies more on timing and

the weight off their front leg (the leg that’ll be

less on strength. With the correct technique and

swept). Simply place your opposite foot to the

timing, this sweep can take someone down with

outside of the attacker’s front foot (if the attacker

minimal effort.

has their left foot forward, place your right foot to the outside of the attacker’s left foot). Next,

How: The front sweep will work great when the

slide your front foot medially, and down they go.

opponent is leaning forward. It’s common for

With the attacker grounded, you can continue the

the attacker to lean forward during a punch or

onslaught, use them as a meat-shield, or simply

attempted grab. Parry the attack and get inside

hightail it out of there.

Knife Stab vs. Front Sweep The knife-wielding assailant is looking to ventilate Bui. The defender immediately parries the attack and steps in for control and a palm strike/eye rake. The counter-strike knocks the attacker back, making the front sweep effortless. Once grounded, Bui is in a better position to disarm the thug. 1

Club vs. Front Sweep Bui defends himself against a clubbing attack by leaning back and getting out of the way. Once the weapon has missed, Bui quickly steps in to jam the weapon and elbow strike the attacker. A forearm shot to the throat off-balances the attacker. A front sweep along with a disarm, and Bui is safe. 2

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

What: A throw involving the use of one’s hip to up-

Use your free arm and wrap it around your op-

root and slam an attacker to the ground. The hip

ponent’s neck. Once the headlock position is

toss is commonplace in many judo, wrestling, and

achieved, turn the back of your hip toward your

cage matches, as well as on the streets.

attacker. Next, bend your knees to bring your hip down, lower than the hip of your attacker.

How: As with the other throws, you’ll need to be

When this position is set, use your legs to lift the

close enough to deliver a kiss, but the only thing

attacker off the ground, over your hip, and slam

you’ll be delivering is carnage to your attacker.

their body to the ground in front of you.

Haymaker Punch vs. Hip Toss Bui gets his hands up when he sees the threat. Bui steps forward inside the arc of the strike and lands his own forearm shot to the side of Chin’s neck. The force of the strike knocks Chin back, allowing Bui time to turn and hip toss the attacker to the ground. Once on the ground, Bui is able to control the attacker, break the arm, or make a mad dash for safety. 1

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

radius than the opposite coniguration.

easier to conceal and provides a longer sight

instead. A shorter grip with longer slide is

harder to conceal — and lengthen the slide

eschew extending the grip — thus making it

to its overall packaging, you might rather

carry gun. And if you were to make a change

Glock 19 is already an immensely popular

the opposite of what many might desire. The

concealed carry as a primary use case, this is

17-length grip. For the civilian market, with

weapon, the 19X has a 19-length slide and a

store for you. Intended as a military service

market, you’ll love what Polymer80 has in

they released the Glock 19X to the civilian

If you thought Glock got it wrong when

BY ROB CURTIS AND STEVEN KUO

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

other companies.

being used for semi-custom guns offered by

in 2018. We’re also seeing Polymer80 frames

ized PF940CL expected to be available later

pleted irearms, with the 100-percent, serial-

started offering their current frames as com-

at MSRP for their current offerings. They’ve

an 80-percent frame — $135 versus $150

100-percent frame is actually cheaper than

because you won’t need the jig or tooling, a

now also sells completed frames. In fact,

laws in your jurisdiction), Polymer80

care about a paper trail (subject to the

tion of building your own gun or don’t

And if you aren’t seeking the satisfac-

whole process is very straightforward.

of the underlying Glock architecture, the

With the utter simplicity and low parts count

that, it’s just like assembling a regular Glock.

frame, all four slide rails are metal. Beyond

assembly. So, unlike Polymer80’s original V1

slide rails that straddle the stock Glock trigger

incorporates front slide rails as well as rear

simply install a front locking block that also

it’s a very straightforward process. Then, you

jig and tooling (two drill bits and an end mill),

pieces of polymer. With the included plastic

is to drill six holes and cut away extraneous

mer80’s clever V2 frame design, all it takes

before it becomes an actual gun. With Poly-

of polymer that needs additional machining

sider it to be a irearm — it’s simply a piece

non-gun. In other words, the ATF doesn’t con-

frame is irst being offered as an 80-percent

True to Polymer80’s roots, the PF940CL

chopped down to G19 length.

Gen 3 uppers and parts, with the grip

17-sized frame, accepting G17-compatible

new PF940CL frame. It’s essentially a Glock

That’s exactly what Polymer80 did with its

POLYMER80 COMPACT LONG SLIDE For now, we got our hands on a preproduction 80-percent PF940CL frame, built it up, and wrung it out.

MAKING FREEDOM IS SATISFYING

Polymer80 offers a ReadyMod version of the frame with a completely blank grip that you can stipple or customize however you’d like.

Place the 80-percent frame in the jig and secure it in a bench vise. We added clamps to ensure it was properly aligned — but don’t crush it. With a hand drill and the M4 drill bit, drill the trigger pinhole. Drill the left and right side separately; don’t drill all the way through from one side. Then, with

ment is basically to machine them off, keeping it level. Drill presses are technically only designed to take load in the Z-axis — i.e. drilling holes. But with the smaller

the help of an X-Y table, you can secure

M3 drill bit, drill

the workpiece and use the table’s gear-

holes for the trigger hous-

ing to move it in the X and Y axes to

ing pin and the locking block

machine away material. When working

pin. Again, drill the left and right

with softer material like polymer, this

sides separately. Clean up the

allows you to use your drill press like a

flashing that remains around the

mill. But you needn’t even use a drill

new holes. Polymer80 advises

press; we’ve seen folks use everything

using a hand drill for this opera-

from Dremels to whittling knives.

tion, not a drill press, in order to align

In our case, we used a dirt-cheap

properly with the guide holes in the jig.

$135 bench-top drill press from Harbor

While a mill would be a more ap-

Freight along with their $75 cross slide

propriate choice, the next operations are

vise. As it turns out, this bench-top drill

often performed with a drill press by

press only has 10 inches of travel — in

the typical garage tinkerer. There are

combination with the height of the vise,

four tabs that extend above the top of the PF940CL frame; they need to be removed to clear the slide. The require-

PF940CL compared to a stock Glock 19 from the early ’90s.

it was insuficient to accommodate the end mill and jig when placed on its end. Moreover, its table and base were small

The end mill is used to remove tabs on the frame and cut a U-shaped area.

drill press starting to complain. Just as we backed off, the chuck came loose. Fortunately, it didn’t make much mess of either polymer or flesh, but it stands as a clear warning to exercise caution, especially with these small, light-duty drill presses. The inal step is to cut out a piece to clear the guide rod and barrel lug. Clamp the jig on its end and plunge the end mill into the dust cover of the frame to mill out a U-shaped opening, as inand only had two slots for attachments, lacking the typical X-shaped slots on larger machines that can secure items like a cross slide vise. It would have been easier to use a mill or a larger drill press, but we wanted to see how it could be

Differences from a stock Glock include the front locking block, additional locking block pin, rear slide rails, and a coiled slide lock spring.

intended to drill, not take loads laterally.

dicated on the frame. Don’t cut beyond

So grab a mallet and beat the sh*t out of

this point and be careful not to hit the

yours to secure it in place before insert-

jig with the chuck. It’s a little tricky to

ing the end mill. And even then, keep an

see what you’re doing, so we cut short

eye on it — more on this later.

of the relief edges and inished with a

Orient the jig horizontally with the tabs

round ile. Remember that you can take addition-

done on a budget. So, in grand Wile E.

on the top and clamp it in the X-Y table.

Coyote school of gunsmithing fashion, we

We again used additional clamps to keep

al passes to remove material, but you

clamped the drill press and vise next to

all the corners secure, without overtight-

can’t add it back. So cut less rather than

each other on a flat work surface, then

ening. Set the appropriate depth for your

more — it’s easy to ile away any excess.

rotated the drill press’ head away from

end mill; we set it to bottom out when

That’s exactly what we did, followed by a

its base to instead hover over the vise.

just kissing the jig. Familiarize yourself

light sanding to smooth everything out.

This gave us enough clearance and travel

with how the gearing on the X-Y table

to perform the remaining operations.

moves the workpiece, so you know which

from assembling a regular Glock are the

direction to turn the cranks to make your

front locking block that doubles as front

using don’t have failsafe chucks. They’re

cuts. Then machine off the tabs. Near

slide rails and rear slide rails that nest

simply pressed into place; they’re only

the end of our last tab we noticed the

underneath the trigger assembly in the

Drill presses such as the one we were

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

Beyond this point, the only differences

POLYMER80 COMPACT LONG SLIDE BANG BANG BANG

The Polymer80 frame won’t it in most Glock holsters, but a number of holster manufacturers make models speciically for it, including this one from Squared Away Customs.

The completed gun felt great in the hand, though the slide was quite tight on the frame, in particular on the front locking block. Still, it passed our safety and functionality checks, so we loaded up mags and got to work. Polymer80 recommends several hundred rounds to break in a new build. We brought out a mix of ammo with brass, aluminum, and steel cases. We experienced some failures to eject early on that went away, followed by periodic failure to feeds where the slide didn’t go completely into battery that persisted even as empty cases piled up, especially with steel cased Brown Bear ammo. The front locking block that came with our pre-production frame continued to bind on the slide and must have been out of spec. Fortunately, we had an extra locking block from an uninished production Polymer80 PF940V2 standard frame. We disassembled the preproduction unit and compared the locking blocks. Our

Trigger guard is contoured wonderfully, gas pedals are cut into the frame, and a standard Pic rail adorns the dust cover.

rear of the frame. Just insert them

spare block slid easily and smoothly

and secure with pins. We inished the

in the slide, while the original would

build with a flat-faced curved trigger

bind. After swapping it into our build,

and PVD inished barrels and slides

the gun ran like a top with no further

from Polymer80. We had two sets of

malfunctions. When you receive your

the latter to try out. The match-grade

kit, testit the pieces; grab the loose

barrels are available with and without

locking block and your slide and make

fluting and made of 17-4 stainless

sure they slide smoothly.

steel. Barrels can be had in black DLC, titanium nitride, and stainless. Frank Proctor Shooting sights with a Y-notch on the left; NIght Fision sights with Accur8 single rear tritium dot setup on the right.

Polymer80 incorporated great features on the frame, like those that

The Gen 3 slides are available

custom builders toil for hours to add

in black, flat dark earth, and gray.

to stock Glock frames. The infamous

Remaining parts were stock Glock,

Glock grip angle is mitigated by the flat

except for sights. On one slide, we

backstrap, great for those who can’t get

installed Night Fision sights with

used to regular Glocks. However, if you

tritium inserts — they were very bright;

like Glock grips, the difference is subtle

the company says they’re 30-percent

enough that it shouldn’t be too hard

brighter than other makes. The other

to adjust. If you have large hands, the

slide was treated to Y-notch sights

grip will feel almost as short as a G19

from Frank Proctor Shooting, with a

(helped by the undercut trigger guard),

iber optic front and a rear notch cut

but you may appreciate the deletion of

in a Y shape to combine the precision

the inger grooves on the front strap.

of a narrow notch with the speed of a

And if you have small hands, you’ll

wider notch.

be able to get better purchase on the

BETTER TO HAVE IT AND NOT NEED IT, THAN TO NEED IT AND NOT HAVE IT

This truism of gun ownership can also apply to owning a

VP pistols have easy to change backstraps and side panels for a personalized fit. 27 custom-fitted grip combinations are possible.

better, more reďŹ ned gun. So why settle for a striker-ďŹ red pistol with an OK trigger and a few generic grip options when the HK VP9 or VP9SK have great triggers and 27 different ďŹ tment combinations? Options too, are better to haveâ&#x20AC;Ś

VP9 (9 mm) with 15 round magazine

VP9SK (9 mm) with 10 round magazine

ZZZ KN XVD FRP

POLYMER80 COMPACT LONG SLIDE The Polymer80 ran perfectly once we sorted out the front locking block. The frame’s features are well-thought-out and contribute to a secure, comfortable, and high grip.

gun. The texturing is grippy without

it’s stuffed down your pants, so no one

being too aggressive, though like with

will ever know, but like your favorite pair

any grip texture an undershirt helps

of underwear, it’ll put an extra spring in

reduce discomfort on the ol’ beer belly.

your step. Strapping on the gun helps

PF940CL 80 PERCENT PISTOL FRAME KIT

Contouring and undercuts on the trigger

you appreciate the original concept

CALIBER: 9mm

guard and the small beavertail allow

behind the gun —vertically, you don’t

BARREL LENGTH: 4.5 inches

you to get a comfortable, high grip on

really notice the longer slide, and hori-

OVERALL LENGTH: 7.6 inches

the gun. There’s also a small gas pedal

zontally, the shorter grip doesn’t print

WEIGHT UNLOADED: 1.4 pounds

cut on the frame in front of the slide

as much.

MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 15

SPECS

POLYMER80

on this build for more economical

the PF940CL; the anti-G19X format

selections, when you add it up, you

works well. If you want a Glock 17 with

on hand wouldn’t accept our Poly-

may lament that it costs more than an

a 19-length grip — well, Glock doesn’t

mer80. However, an ever-growing list

actual Glock. If a Glock its your needs,

make one of those. And if you want to

of holster manufacturers offer compat-

we encourage you to get one — all of

build your own gun, Glock can’t help

ible holsters. We got a Squared Away

us here at RECOIL have many of them.

you either. So, you know what you need

AS FEATURED: Polymer80 PF940CL 80-percent Pistol Frame Kit $150 Polymer80 P80 G17 Gen 3 Standard Slide $325 Polymer80 P80 G17 Barrel (Standard or Fluted) $165 or $175 Polymer80 PFSeries Slide Parts Kit $100 Glock Recoil Spring Assembly $5 Glock Lower Parts Kit $50 Polymer80 P80 Curved Trigger $100 Sights (Frank Proctor Shooting Y Notch Sights or Night Fision Perfect Dot Accur8 Night Sights) $79 or $117 Squared Away Customs P80 Holster (Multicam) $69

Customs P80 holster in sexy MultiCam;

But if you appreciate the extra features

to do. Build yourself some perfection. C

TOTAL $1,043 - $1,091

lock for those who like to get some

As a carry-focused build, we kept the

MSRP: $150 (frame kit only) URL: www.polymer80.com

extra leverage on the gun with their

trigger mostly stock Glock, except for

support thumb; it’s also a nice spot to

the P80 trigger shoe. It broke at 4.75

index your trigger inger. To make mag

pounds with a hint of grittiness. The

on the Polymer80 frames, price out

changes easier, the frame is scalloped

trigger shoe felt good, and we shot ive-

the cost of getting custom framework

out around the magazine release and

shot groups at 25 yards of just under 3

done on your Glock before you make

the magwell is smoothly flared. All told,

inches. In general, it shot like a custom-

your decision. You should check out

Polymer80 made excellent choices in

ized Glock — and that’s a compliment.

Polymer80’s frames.

their frame design that work together

Even if you forgo the premium parts

very well. Most of the Glock holsters we had

C O N C E A L M E N T

We really liked shooting and carrying

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

No leather holster stands up to the strength of a BLACKHAWK! Â®

HAND CRAFTED ITALIAN LEATHER

OVER 60 CUSTOM FITS

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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

SHARPEN YOUR EDGEDWEAPON SKILLS WITH SOLO TRAINING BY CHAD MCBROOM

The greatest challenge with

The choice to carry a knife as a

incorporate that knowledge into a

means of self-defense brings with it

regular training regimen to hone

solo blade training is knowing

the responsibility of learning how to

your skills.

where to start. Once you know

The great thing about blade train-

use it, but just knowing how to do

how to train on your own, the

something doesn’t make you good

ing is it can be done pretty much

possibilities become endless.

at it. Skill comes from repetition

anywhere. Unlike irearms training,

The information presented here

through dedicated training. At-

you don’t need a designated training

will give you some good starting

tending a couple edged-weapons

area. You don’t need to worry about

points to help you develop a

seminars might give you a base

noise and backstops, and your neigh-

consistent solo training program

knowledge, but it won’t make you

bors aren’t likely to call the police if

that will sharpen your edged-

proicient with a blade. You must

you do it in the backyard.

weapons skills.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

SOLITARY KNIFE FIGHTING Some solo training tools pictured here include aluminum training blades, a shot timer, a tennis ball on a string, bubbles, and a Rubber Dummies 3D Silhouette Target.

have to imagine an opponent as vividly as possible, seeing his every move through your mind’s eye. Visualize his attacks and react to them using footwork, evasions, defenses, interceptions, and counters. Imagine how he’s reacting to your movements and respond accordingly. This variation of shadow shanking is the most challenging, but the beneits you reap from it are invaluable.

THE TRAINING POST The training post is one of the oldest and simplest combat training tools known to man. Historically known as a pell, this solid wooden post was used to practice striking, cutting, and thrusting with the sword,

SHADOW SHANKING Shadow shanking is the edged-

mirror helps you develop a mind-body connection. It’s the reason gyms and

weapon equivalent of shadow boxing,

martial arts schools are covered in

with a little urban slang mixed in. It’s

mirrors. Use the mirror to correct flaws

the act of ighting with an imaginary

and solidify proper technique until your

opponent to develop technique, timing,

body knows what the right motion feels

lines of motion, and muscle memory.

like. Go back to the mirror frequently

It’s one of the most useful training

to reinforce proper technique.

Shadow shanking is the edgedweapon equivalent of shadow boxing. When done with the proper progression and mind-set, it can be a valuable training tool.

methods for learning and training basic movements and movement patterns. There are a few different ways to

FREE FLOW Another form of shadow shank-

implement shadow shanking into your

ing is free flow. This is where you

training regimen.

develop your ability to flow from one cut or thrust to another using the

WORKING THE BASICS This is how you build your founda-

most eficient path for each angle of attack. Start with preset combinations

tion. The best way to set this up is to

to engrain paths of motion into your

stand in front of a mirror and watch

central nervous system. As those com-

yourself perform the movements.

binations become more fluid, you can

You might also want to draw a large

begin linking the lines between various

asterisk on the mirror with lipstick or a

combinations until you’re able to free

grease pencil to give you a visual refer-

flow without thinking.

ence for the various angles of attack. You can then follow these lines with your blade. We tend to be very unaware of ourselves. Seeing yourself moving in a

THE GHOST Visualization is the key to ighting the ghost, a cool name for an imaginary opponent. To ight the ghost, you

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

shield, and spear. It was the ancient swordsman’s equivalent of a boxer’s heavy bag, and its use is recorded in historical documents dating back to the 1st century. The training post is a vital piece of solo training equipment. Delivering

cuts and thrusts against the air is

a good idea to wear Kevlar-lined

great for developing basic technique,

gloves to protect your hand in case it

but the resistance of a solid target

rides onto the blade during a thrust,

is necessary for conditioning the

especially if your blade doesn’t have

mind and body for impact. Just like

a substantial guard.

Historically known as the pell, the training post is the ancient swordsman’s equivalent of a boxer’s heavy bag.

increase connective tissue resilience.

abdomen with various thrusts and cuts. It’s easy to forget you have two hands during weapons training, so take advantage of the liveliness of the BOB and emphasize the use of both hands

a heavy bag, using the training post will strengthen your muscles and

the eyes, neck, throat, lungs, and

YOUR BEST BUDDY “BOB”

by incorporating empty-hand strikes, checks, and grabs with your live hand

Century’s Body Opponent Bag is one

Striking a solid post will challenge

of the most useful combatives training

(the hand not holding the blade). Move

your grip and expose weaknesses in

devices available. The vinyl skinned,

around the mannequin and work as

your technique.

lifelike mannequin provides all the

many angles as possible.

Training on a post requires very

Another way to up your game on

shapes and contours of a human

little logistics. A 6-foot pole with a

head and torso, making for a realis-

the BOB is with anatomical drilling.

sturdy base is all you need. A solid,

tic, target-rich training environment.

This form of training involves the use

dead tree can work just as well. It’s

BOB isn’t very practical for live-blade

of a Dionisio Zapatero anatomical

also a good idea to add some target

training, at least not if you want to

rash guard in conjunction with the

markings like lines and circles to aid

keep him around for a while. A syn-

with working your cutting angles and

thetic or aluminum training blade, or

thrusting accuracy.

a homemade “stubby” (knife-shaped,

Proper safety precautions are

hard foam cutout wrapped in electrical

necessary when working the post.

tape), are your best options for blade

Wear safety glasses to protect your

work on BOB.

eyes from flying pieces of wood. If you’re going to use a live blade, it’s

When training on the BOB, focus on targeting and precision. Work

C O N C E A L M E N T

BOB. The purpose is to identify the

The Body Opponent Bag is one of the most useful combatives training tools. Shown here with the Dionisio Zapatero anatomical rash guard for vital target identiication.

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

anatomical location of vital targets on the body in order to increase your ability to recognize target landmarks. This particular method was developed with the input of this author and popularized by Scott Babb in the Libre Fighting System.

SOLITARY KNIFE FIGHTING RUBBER DUMMY MAYHEM The Rubber Dummies 3D Silhouette Body Target is a self-healing rubber target designed for closequarters irearms application, but has proven effective for edged weapons training as well. Filipino martial arts practitioners have long

The Rubber Dummy combines many elements of the training post and BOB into one device, able to withstand the abuse of a live blade while offering human target features.

employed used automobile tires in various conigurations to practice stick and blade combatives. The Rubber Dummy puts a modern twist on this solo training concept with its three-dimensional human shape and tire-like, hard rubber texture. The Rubber Dummy combines many elements of the training post and the BOB into one training device. The Rubber Dummy can withstand the abuse from a live blade, while offering human target features. Cuts and stabs leave visible markings on the renewable â&#x20AC;&#x153;skinâ&#x20AC;? (applied with spray paint), yielding instant feedback.

A programmable shot timer and a quality training blade are excellent tools for developing speed and accuracy.

SPEED DRILLING Speed drilling is a broad category of

from a ready position with your blade in hand and address the target

solo training with many variations. The

at the sound of the beep. Then,

purpose is to develop speed, eficiency,

perform the drill from a neutral

and accuracy. For solo training, using a

position with the blade in hand.

programmable shot timer in conjunction

Next, deploy the blade from its carry

with a suitable striking target, such

location and engage from a ready

as the ones mentioned above, works

position. Finally, deploy and engage

extremely well. The idea is to program

from a neutral position.

the shot timer using delayed start and

Speed drilling with the aid

perform the action within a set par-time

of a shot timer adds stress and

parameter. Striking a target that makes

challenges you to leave your comfort

an audible sound, like a balloon or

zone. It pushes you to the edge of

X-ray paper will signal the shot timer

failure, so you can recognize how fast

to record the split, letting you see your

you can move without compromising

actual hit time.

your accuracy or control of your

Speed drill progression should look something like this: Begin drilling

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weapon. Always use training blades for these types of drills.

BALL ON A STRING

when you were a kid, and it’s even

meaning you can quickly visit them

more fun with a knife. Borrow your

and get in some quality repetitions

hanging string can be one of the most

kid’s bubble machine and go to town.

within 5 or 10 minutes. Practice

challenging solo drills for edged-

You’ll have random targets floating all

makes permanent, so focus on getting

weapons training, and it’s also one

around you, so you’ll have to move up

quality repetitions.

of the cheapest and easiest tools to

and down, side to side, back and forth,

set up. Attach a ball to a string and

and turn around. If a bubble hits you,

the equation when it comes to any

hang it up — that’s it. The weight and

it means you’ve been tagged, so keep

deadly force issue. Mental prepara-

size of the ball and the length of the

moving and pop them before they land

tion is just as important, if not more

string are variables you can vary to

on you. The one caveat is you have

so. You must train your mind to deal

change the level of dificulty. Let the

to be precise with your blade, no wild

with the emotional trauma that comes

ball swing freely and work your cutting

swinging or flailing about.

with a violent physical assault. Rather

Striking a simple ball on a free-

than mindlessly performing countless

and thrusting angles as the ball swings toward you. Don’t forget to include footwork. That’s about all there is to

Physical preparation is only half

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

repetitions, consider incorporating

The less effort involved in setting

visualization into your solo training.

up a training drill, the more likely we

Work through various attack/response

are to do it, especially when we’re

scenarios in your mind as you do your

limited on time. The training tools

drills. This will help prepare you to

and drills presented here take very

perform under stress and reduce the

life run around poking bubbles out

little effort to set up. Most can be left

likelihood that you’ll freeze during a

of the air with their inger? It was fun

in place wherever you set them up,

violent encounter. C

this simple but effective drill.

BUBBLE BUSTER Who hasn’t at some point in their

TRAINING RESOURCE LINKS Body Opponent Bag centurymartial arts.com Rubber Dummies 3D Silhouette Body Target rubberdummies. myshopify.com Dionisio Zapatero Anatomical Rash Guard etsy.com/shop/ DionisioZapatero Aluminum Trainers keenedgeknives.com and spyderco.com Synthetic Trainers takknife.com and coldsteel.com

Chad McBroom is a 21-year veteran law enforcement oficer with most of his time spent in the tactical unit. He has spent over 30 years studying various combative systems and focuses on the science of close combat. Chad is the owner of Comprehensive Fighting Systems, and offers training in emptyhand tactics, edged weapons, impact weapons, and irearms tactics. comprehensivefighting systems.com

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THE BERETTA APX CENTURION AND COMPACT BY DAVE MERRILL

At the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings, Beretta announced two new options for their APX strikerired guns: The midsized APX Centurion and the slightly smaller (and, cue uninspired name) APX Compact. These releases are meant to it somewhere in the Goldilocks zone of “just right” for concealed carriers. We can’t really proceed without saying that Beretta is a tad late to the game with the release of the smaller APX pistols. While on the whole the shooting community has gained a whole lot of new and awesome plastic fantastics from the DoD Modular Handgun System (MHS) trials, the same beneit has yet to be seen for the companies themselves — outside of SIG SAUER, of course. We’re probably being a bit unfair by calling them late to the market, as these options were announced slightly more than a year after the duty-sized APX hit the streets. At the same time, other manufacturers definitely beat them to the punch.

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PAIR OF PIZZA PISTOLS

You can (almost) get as weird as you want. While the fullsize slide its on the stuffy frame, the reverse isn’t true.

GETTING WEIRD WITH IT The Beretta APX Centurion and

The one mash-up you cannot do is throw a Compact slide on a

HOT SWAPPING While switching the mag release

APX Compact only differ in terms

fullsize frame a la Glock 19X. This

around for the statistically insignifi-

of the grip size. The Centurion is

isn’t because the barrel lockup

cant left-handed population, we to-

slightly longer and accepts flush-

is different (it isn’t), but because

tally broke the mechanism. Normally,

fit 15-round mags, while the APX

the recoil spring assembly of the

Compact can only fit a 13-round

compact just doesn’t quite fit inside

magazine seamlessly. The barrel

the frame. Doubling the problem is

lengths are absolutely identical and

that the Centurion/Compact frame is

easily interchanged.

just slightly wider than the fullsize.

Fullsize-duty APX slide on a

Regardless, we like seeing a

compact frame? Totally doable. Sure,

near-universal system (are

there’s some exposed recoil spring

you reading this,

assembly, but that’s it. Want the

Glock?).

same ballistic effect a longer barrel gives, but with a stubby slide? Throw a fullsize barrel in a Centurion or Compact. Yup. You can do that too.

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if a company is called and we’re told

trigger that actually works.

we’re the first to break something,

Call it better than a stock

we think it’s a lie. This time around,

Gen3 Glock and a hair behind

the uncomfortable pause and the

the new Gen5. That is to say,

exclamation of “really?!” made us

totally acceptable. The reduced-

believe it. The story goes that you

power spring reduced trigger

could put a Marine in a locked room

weight to just over 4 pounds. While

with three ball bearings, 10 minutes

we didn’t have any issues with the

later one of the ball bearings would

APX eating whatever we put through

be broken, one of them would be

it, the general advice is to not use

pregnant, and one of them would

a reduced power spring for carry —

be missing. Beretta rep Eric Stern

but we’d be lying if we didn’t admit

reminded of us this parable when we

that some of our CCW guns have

talked about what we broke.

tricked-out triggers in them.

Hit the nail on the head. Despite us breaking the mag release from going Mongo on it, Beretta

SOME WARTS Whenever we shrink a gun down,

was quick to send out a replace-

we’re going to have some warts and

ment. To sweeten the pot, they also

eyesores, and in the case of the

included their new magazine spacers.

smaller Beretta APX frames, it shows

And if you want to run a 17-round

the most when it comes to weapon-

magazine in a Centurion? No gaps.

mounted lights. While the fullsize

The same can be said if you want to

APX can accommodate any number of

run a 15-rounder in the Compact.

WMLs, especially due to the straight

There’s no active retention on the OEM magazine spacers; therefore, just slide out of the way if

trigger guard, the same cannot be said of the shorter-grip models. SureFire X300U? Out of the

they aren’t already at the bottom of

question. Actually, we couldn’t find

the magazine body. Something we

a single SureFire light, including

particularly like is that each spacer

the über-small XC-1/2 that fit the

has a flare at the bottom to hold the

smaller frames. Streamlight fell

hand in place.

prey to similar issues. In fact, the

They put something else in the en-

only WML tested that worked out

velope as a bonus: a reduced-power

of the box was the Insight APS-C.

striker spring assembly.

You could get away with a Stream-

For a striker-fired plastic fantas-

light TLR-7, provided that you were

tic, the trigger of the APX is pretty

confident with only screw pressure

good. For 1911 fans, that falls

and no lug. No bueno. Quite frankly,

somewhere between a custom-fit

we see this as an incredibly large

light trigger and an old-school USGI

oversight from Beretta.

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Unless you just want to rely on spring tension, the Insight is your only option.

PAIR OF PIZZA PISTOLS

ITALIAN WEIRDNESS Because we’re talking about Beretta, there’s going to be some weirdness going on. We’re not sure if it’s because they’re an Italian company or just operate in Europe, but not everything makes sense immediately. For instance, let’s look at the striker-indicator. As you pull the trigger of the APX, a small column pokes out from the top of the slide. If you’re a fan (or a hater) of the 92F/M9 series, you’ll probably recognize this feature. As far as we can tell, there’s little or no practical use for this striker indicator. If it was placed on the back of the slide, it could be used to ensure a trigger wasn’t being inadvertently or accidentally pulled while holstering, just like using a Glock “Gadget” or the hammer of an HK P30. As it stands, to do the same in the current configuration would require the use of three hands and a crazy holstering methodology. If someone has any idea of its actual use, please let us know. The APX has a striker release so the pistol can be taken down without pulling the trigger. Undoubtedly, this is in reaction to some law enforcement agency concerns about the Glock requiring the trigger to be pulled for a basic takedown. Actually using this feature is cumbersome; it requires you to hold the slide back slightly out of battery, while using a tool to depress the plunger. Really, just ensure it’s clear and pull the trigger in a safe direction.

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Another nuance of taking down the

manuals, the same cannot be said of

LOOSE ROUNDS

APX that may seem unconventional

the slide. At the time of this writing,

Ultimately, the APX is a solid of-

to those accustomed to other plastic

there isn’t a non-LEO APX Armorer’s

fering among this now-crowded mar-

fantastics is that you don’t lock the

Course, and Beretta doesn’t consider

ket. We wish the frame were a skosh

slide back to engage the takedown

any of the slide internals to be user-

longer to accept a wider variety of

lever. However, if you’re familiar with

serviceable. So, of course, we took

WMLs, but seeing as it’s a chassis

the M9/92 you’ll be right at home.

it apart anyway. We’re sure that

system, there’s little reason why Be-

You simply release the striker, push in

Beretta HQ has specialized tools

retta, or even a third party, couldn’t

the takedown lever from the left, and

and jigs for completely stripping the

release a new grip with slightly more

rotate it down on the right. The slide

slide, but we got by with a small

accessory rail.

comes right off. Once again, we’re

flathead screwdriver and a skinny

seeing some of those Italian genetics.

punch. The first few times were awk-

releasing new parts and pieces through

ward, but now we could probably do

their website, so we’ll be crossing our

it sh*thouse drunk in a snowstorm.

ingers until then. C

While field stripping and chassis removal is covered in the APX

C O N C E A L M E N T

As time goes on, Beretta has been

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

PAIR OF PIZZA PISTOLS SPECS

BERETTA

APX CENTURION

CALIBER: 9mm BARREL LENGTH: 3.7 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 6.97 inches OVERALL HEIGHT: 5.2 inches OVERALL WIDTH: 1.3 inches WEIGHT (UNLOADED): 27 ounces MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 15 rounds MSRP: $575 URL: www.beretta.com/en-us

SPECS

BERETTA

APX COMPACT

CALIBER: 9mm BARREL LENGTH: 3.7 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 6.97 inches OVERALL HEIGHT: 4.8 inches OVERALL WIDTH: 1.3 inches WEIGHT (UNLOADED): 26.4 ounces MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 13 rounds MSRP: $575 URL: www.beretta.com/en-us

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USING MAKESHIFT WEAPONS WHEN SHTF BY CONRAD BUI

According to FBI reports, violent crime

quickly that accessing your weapon isn’t

fective is it? Here we help you think outside

— aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and

only dificult, but may be foolhardy. Dur-

the box by exploring the seven creative

murder — is on the rise. Up-close-and-

ing these times, empty-hand self-defense

concepts for using any weapon at hand.

personal encounters of the worst kind can

and combatives skills are a must. Luckily,

happen during everyday life. The odds of

there’s almost always something we can use

violence will increase during riots (like recent

in our surroundings to ight with. Once you

protests), natural disasters (like recent

know where to look, you’ll notice weapons

hurricanes), or when law enforcement is

are everywhere. Improvised weapons are

improvised weapon; most likely, the irst

stretched too thin or non-existent.

readily available, effective, nonthreatening,

weapons used by our early ancestors were

and best of all, they’re free.

improvised weapons in the form of a rock

Naturally, having a dedicated EDC weapon or force multiplier is highly encouraged.

You may have seen Jackie Chan use a

CONCEPT 1: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Just about anything can serve as an

or tree branch. Looking around you, we bet

As the old saying goes, “When you need it,

variety of household items in his movies,

you can already identify multiple weapons

you really need it.” Unfortunately, there are

or, more recently, Matt Damon as Jason

in your vicinity.

times when carrying a weapon isn’t possible

Bourne grab common ofice items to fend

(think schools, courtrooms, airports, and

off a group of thugs. But just how easy is it

you need to train your brain to think outside

hot days) or when an attack happens so

to ind an improvised weapon, and how ef-

the box before the brutality starts. During a

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

To be able to use improvised weapons,

CLOSE AT HAND

Conrad Bui is on his cell phone, but still situationally aware that Sherman Chin is disgruntled. Sherman attempts the haymaker from hell. Bui quickly steps in and slams his trusty cell phone into Chin’s neck. In one motion, Bui takes Chin down, breaks the attacker’s arm, and slams the attacker’s head into the knee. A second strike to the nose teaches Chin not to interrupt while adults are talking.

violent situation, your brain will likely not be in the “Leonardo da Vinci” thinking mode. “I can use this cup of hot coffee as a distraction,” may not come to mind when someone is trying to violently ventilate your body. During an assault, what will likely come to mind is, “Holy f*ck! What the hell?” But if you’ve already thought of utilizing common, everyday objects as weapons, you’ll have a greater chance of using improvised weapons during

your dilemma. Start by increasing your awareness in places where you spend the most time. In your house and at work are two good places to start. Make a game of looking for potential weapons when taking a water break at work or hanging out at home. Also do it when you’re waiting in line at the grocery

store, illing your gas tank, or sitting at a restaurant. Try to identify as many potential combatives components as

Chin stabs at Bui, who was busy cutting origami. Bui immediately steps to the side for a counter stab to the hand. Edward Scissorhands inds his mark, causing Chin to drop the knife.

you can, within arm’s reach. You’re

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

more likely to use improvised weapons,

weapon doesn’t cause you any injury.

that you’ve already identiied as such.

Using a plate to smash someone’s head is great, but if the plate

CONCEPT 2: WHAM, BAM, THANK YOU MA’AM Once you’ve identiied potential weapons, instinctively grabbing

Impact weapons, like the ubiqui-

explodes, it may send shards of por-

tous cell phone, can be effective in

celain back into your eyes. Grabbing

persuading an attacker to seek easier

the plate to strike with, instead of

prey. The downside is that impact

throwing it, only made things worse,

weapons require distance and momen-

in this example.

tum to deliver a solid strike. Grabbing

Obvious impact weapons come

something to strike with will make

CONCEPT 3: IT CUTS LIKE A KNIFE

an edged weapon (something with a

total sense. The improvised weapon

in the form of chairs, flashlights,

blade or pointy end) will also make an

will serve as a force multiplier and

pipes, hammers, crowbars, wrenches,

effective equalizer. Unlike an impact

also save your hands from damage.

pots, and pans. More inconspicuous

weapon, the edge and/or point will

If you’re looking to injure an attacker

weapons may include cell phones

make speed, distance, and momentum

with a blunt object, something with

(who doesn’t have one?), staplers, and

secondary.

heft and density will serve you well.

magazines — like the hefty one in your

Just make sure your new impact weapon isn’t too heavy or unwieldy. As with any weapon, a stable grip

The face, neck, and hands are all acceptable targets for makeshift weapons.

Cutting or stabbing improvised

hands right now (see RECOIL OFFGRID

weapons include kitchen knives,

Issue 18 for “Improv Skills” on how to

scissors, ice picks, pens, and pencils.

use a magazine for self-defense).

Any of these items can slash or cause

is paramount. It makes no sense to strike an attacker, only to have your weapon drop to the ground — embarrassing. It’s also crucial that the

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

CLOSE AT HAND

DON’T BE TARDY

FIGHTING FIXTURES

1 1

Bui prepares to pull out his belt to thwart a knife attack. He makes the fatal mistake of not ighting to his weapon. The knife inds its mark while Bui is busy drawing his weapon. 3

puncture wounds. Keep in mind that,

wrist, arm, legs, neck, and head are

just like any weapon, you want a solid

adequate targets. Edged weapons can

grip and a durable tool — one that

target the inside (medial aspect) of the

won’t disintegrate (and possibly cause

limbs (either arms or legs), the neck,

injury to the wielder) when used.

or puncture soft tissue. Be smart and pick your targets wisely.

CONCEPT 4: ASTUTE AIMING Employing an edged or impact weapon will help increase your odds

CONCEPT 5: DON’T BE TARDY The idea of using an improvised

of coming out on top in a violent

weapon is no different than any other

encounter; knowing where to strike

CCW. If your tool isn’t immediately

will boost your odds even more. When

available, you must “earn your draw”

you have an impact or edged weapon,

or “ight to your weapon.” It’s a

you have either good targets or really

mistake to become weapon ixated (no

good targets. Whatever comes into

matter if it’s the attacker’s weapon

range of the improvised weapon can

or your own). Only when you have the

attack and controls the weapon. A quick knee to the groin sets up a

be targeted and attacked. Often, the

proper distance and “the coast is

head smash into the cubicle corner. Because Chin is still resisting,

target will be an attacker’s offending

clear” should you consider using your

Bui has no choice but to follow-up with an elbow strike.

limb. With impact weapons, the hand,

CCW, jacket, belt, shoes, or reaching

C O N C E A L M E N T

Chin attacks Bui with a stab. Bui immediately blocks the knife

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

for a nearby weapon. Fumbling

as a force multiplier and also save

around to draw your weapon or grab

your hands from damage. Instead of

an improvised weapon may lead to a

using your limbs to strike with, take

struggle by both parties at best. At

the attacker’s head (or other parts of

worse, your mind and limbs will be

their anatomy) and ram it into a solid

occupied while the assailant is well,

object, resulting in serious trauma.

assailing your behind.

Solid items to smash body parts onto can include (but are clearly not

CONCEPT 6: FIGHTING FIXTURES

limited to) corners, doors, edges, hand railings, chairs, tables, and cars. Altercations don’t always occur

When studying improvised

weapons, grabbing something to

in open ields. With the proper

strike or cut with often comes to

training and a little awareness,

mind. Take into account that a

anyone can learn to take advantage

weapon is anything that can serve

of their environment.

MAKE THAT CHANGE Do you have some loose change in your pocket? You can throw it into your attacker’s face. A flinch (from the coins) may give you that split second advantage needed for a counterstrike. Paperclips, sand, dirt, or snow can likewise serve to distract your assailant. Keep in mind that you must follow-up with immediate action, since the 1

coins won’t take down your adversary.

Bui sees Chin wielding a knife through the window. Chin is through the door before Bui can lock it. Without an exit, Bui skips into a sidekick that would make Bruce Lee proud. The door slams into Chin, knocking him to the ground. If Chin continues the attack, Bui can

Against an attempted grab, Bui throws a handful of change at the attacker’s face. The at-

“show him the door” again. This sequence may also be accomplished

tacker flinches just long enough for Bui to step in, strike the neck, and sweep the attacker to the

by “tackling” the door.

floor. A knee to the face allows Bui to make a safe escape.

C O N C E A L M E N T

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

CLOSE AT HAND CONCEPT 7: BLOCK PARTY

BLOCK PARTY

Grabbing a weapon or slamming someone into an object make excellent choices in engineering our environment during a ight. Another option is to use items to delay, impede, or even trip the attacker. Objects should be large enough that 2

going around them is dificult. The locations best suited for this tactic are small portals, like doorways or hallways. The narrow space will make it dificult to circumvent the barrier or obstacle. This ploy can buy you valuable time to attack

or escape. Examples of objects to tip over, pull down, or shove off can include televisions, dressers, chairs, tables, couches, car doors, and large fans. Just make sure that when you go to use the objects, the action doesn’t slow you down signiicantly, allowing

the assailant to get their hands on you.

AD-LIB ANALYSIS Violence can happen at any time, and the odds increase during a crisis. Learning to defend home and hearth with weapons, improvised weapons, and empty hand may not only save your hide and those you love, but can open a slew of new 7

recreational activities. Use this article as a starting point — and with

A disgruntled Chin brandishes a knife and prepares to attack. Bui recognizes the threat and backs off. Bui tips the chair

the correct training, using weapons

over and Chin trips on it during an attempted attack. Because the knife is present, Bui has no choice but to give Chin the boot.

in your surroundings to come out on top should be no object. C

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Conrad Bui is a San Francisco-based doctor of chiropractic and frequent contributor to RECOIL. As a former bouncer, he has seen irst-hand the devastating results of improvised weapons. A self-proclaimed martial arts and combatives junkie, he won gold medals in the featherweight and absolute (unlimited weight) brown belt divisions at the 2017 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu American Cup. He’s also a certiied full instructor in Indonesian Silat Serak, Filipino Kali, Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, and Muay Thai, and holds a ifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. www.conradbui.com

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While the old 55- and 62-grain standbys work adequately in longer barrels, if you own an SBR or AR pistol, you might find yourself undergunned if you use them in a self-defense scenario. It’s not that they don’t function in shorties, or are inaccurate — quite the opposite. It’s because their full metal jacket projectiles are dependent on fragmentation for increased wounding capabilities, and fragmentation is, for the most part, dependent on velocity. The 5.56mm cartridge’s velocity is severely affected by reduced barrel length, so much so that when fired from a 10.3-inch barreled MK18, some versions of the NATO load won’t even reliably fragment at the muzzle. Now, this is not to say that SBRs are useless. Far from it. Hit someone with a 5.56 of any description and they’re not going to have a good day, even if the bullet fails to deform

THINK M193 AND M855 ARE GOOD OPTIONS FOR A STUBBY TUBE? THINK AGAIN. BY IAIN HARRISON AND ROB CURTIS PHOTOS BY ROB CURTIS

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in any way. If we were to ask for volunteers to

say that process isn’t the choice of those

have a 5.5mm steel rod shoved through their

seeking extreme accuracy. So, we did our best

fleshy bits, I’m guessing there wouldn’t be that

to balance out the barrel’s tendency to pro-

many takers. But if we want the odds stacked

duce flyers by using a Geissele SD-E trigger.

in our favor, then being armed with a bullet

That being said, we were pretty surprised with

that does something other than just bore a

all of the groups the MK18 put out. For an

hole in an adversary is a good thing.

optic, we installed Revic’s PMR 428 4.5-28x

After considerable research, we assembled

we had sitting on the bench, and stability for

some of the top-performing (and readily avail-

groups was provided by a typical bipod and

able) ammunition currently available for short-

sandbag setup. Velocity data was gathered by firing a

barreled carbines and put them through the

10-round string next to a big, orange LabRa-

wringer. Here’s what we found.

dar. Accuracy testing is reported as the best of

TESTING PROTOCOL

five five-round groups shot at 100 yards on a

Our test mule is a classic SBR; it’s a Daniel

sunny, 80-degree day with a slight breeze.

Defense MK18 upper, which sports a chrome-

Finally, each load was shot into 20-inch

lined, cold hammer forged 10.3-inch barrel.

blocks of unadulterated, ballistically calibrated

While chrome lining and cold hammer forging

Clear Ballistics gelatin substitute at 100 yards.

creates an extremely durable barrel, let’s just

And that’s when sh*t got weird.

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SBR AMMO BUYER’S GUIDE

Rob, shooting Clear Ballistics blocks.

THE MECHANICS OF WOUNDING

CLEAR BALLISTICS IS NOT GEL

To use, mix with gallons of water and

Despite what the Internet says, Clear

refrigerate for 36 hours to set up into

Ballistics is not the same as 10-per-

a gel that, if left in the sun for a while

cent ordnance gel, which is what the

begins to putrefy back to its natural,

FBI uses to test bullets. The stuff is

nasty state. Yummy! Clear Ballistics is inorganic, (we think)

amazingly clear, and even more impor-

There’s a lot of bullsh*t spewed about how bullets inflict

tantly, it’s 99-percent less hassle than

silicon-based goo that’s stable up to

damage in soft tissue. Here’s a quick test to use should you

the real stuff … which is made by

280 degrees F and makes for gorgeous

encounter a self-proclaimed expert in the subject and wish

boiling pig bones, cartilage, and skin

photos of a bullet’s terminal perfor-

to gauge their bona fides. If anyone uses the terms “energy

for hours, then drying the resulting goo.

mance. But — unlike ordnance gel, and

transfer,” “knockdown power,” or “hydrostatic shock” they probably got their facts from a gun show blowhard, the Internet, or a gun show blowhard on the Internet. There are two mechanisms by which bullets inflict trauma on tissue other than bone. The irst and most important is through crushing. The more tissue a bullet crushes, the more damage it causes and this is dependent on the surface area it presents as it moves through flesh, as well as the depth to which it penetrates. Bullets can present more surface area by mushrooming, or fragmenting, or by yawing so that they travel more or less sideways through the target. The second way damage is caused, is by means of the temporary stretch cavity bullets produce in soft tissue, as they shove it away from their path. As this tissue is pushed outward, it’s stretched and vulnerable to additional damage from bullet fragments (or bone, should one be hit) — think of a balloon; if it’s inflated, a pin prick causes it to burst and tear, while if there’s no air in it, the same tiny hole causes, well, a hole.

LOADS TESTED Barnes 62gr TSX VOR-TX

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Black Hills 77gr Tipped Match King

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Federal 62gr Fusion MSR

Hornady 75gr InterLock HD SBR

Nosler 64gr Defense Bonded Solid Base

live tissue — it contains no water and therefore produces some odd results when

BARNES 62GR VOR-TX

BLACK HILLS 77GR TIPPED SMK

FEDERAL 62GR FUSION MSR

HORNADY 75GR INTERLOCK HD SBR

NOSLER 64GR BONDED DEFENSE

compared to real ordnance gel. Bullets tend to rebound inside the

VELOCITY (FPS)

medium, for one, and as we found out,

Average

2,694

2,398

2,500

2,269

2,432

bullets designed to expand in water-

Standard Deviation

15.3

29.9

15.7

46.9

laden tissue don’t expand as they are

Extreme Spread

129

designed to in Clear Ballistics… and

ACCURACY (MOA)

sometimes not at all. When things go

Average 5-Shot Group

1.2

1.28

1.63

1.43

0.79

well, CB is adequate for apples-to-apples

Best 5-Shot Group

0.92

0.52

0.63

1.05

0.52

comparison of terminal performance,

PENETRATION (INCHES)

but the results aren’t analogous to those

Wound Track

12.9

20.25

40+

offered by ordnance gelatin. When they go

Cavity Initiation

1.5

wrong, bullets don’t expand and rounds

Cavity Length

6.5

go through the stuff like Rosie O’Donnell

EXPANSION (INCHES)

goes through cheesecake.

Unfired

0.224

0.22

0.225

0.223

0.224

Expanded

0.423

0.44

0.56

0.406

that penetration and bullet expansion num-

Ratio

189%

200%

249%

N/A

181%

bers don’t equate to those gathered from

WEIGHT RETENTION (GRAINS)

tests using 10-percent ordnance gelatin,

Unfired

but they do present accurate, if anecdotal,

Fired

61.9

48.6

53.3

data across the conined sample set. C

Ratio

100%

63%

86%

N/A

100%

So, when looking at our results, know

BARNES BULLETS

62GR TSX VOR-TX MSRP

$24/20 URL

www.barnesbullets.com TEST RESULTS 2,694 Average Velocity (FPS): Velocity Standard Deviation: 15.3 Velocity Extreme Spread: 43 Average 5-Shot Group: 1.2 MOA Best 5-Shot Group: 0.92 Wound Track Length: 28 inches Cavity Initiation: Begins at 1 inch Cavity Length: 5 inches Bullet Expansion: 189% Bullet Weight Retention: 100%

NOTES

Barnes Bullets is the pioneer of the monolithic copper bullet. We were curious to see how this well-regarded hunting round stacks up against more recent designs. The annular rings or relief bands cut at the base give displaced copper someplace to collect, reducing fouling considerably and aid in bullet obturation, increasing accuracy. We noticed neck tension was fairly light, but not light enough to make us worry about setback issues with loaded cartridges. VOR-TX ammo delivers considerable accuracy. We collected a 1.2 MOA group that’ll hand out better than minute-of-beer-gut hits out to several hundred yards without breaking a sweat. With a muzzle velocity standard deviation of 15.3, while not quite at a match ammo level of accuracy, we found charge

weights varied by a tenth of a grain across a 10-round sampling. That’s good for factory ammo. All in all, unless you’re sniping bad guys from 900 yards, we can’t see accuracy holding anyone back from using this load in your home/self defense SBR. We had to shoot the Barnes a couple times to get the bullet to do its thing in the CB medium. After the bullet failed to expand on the irst shot, we scratched our head — after all, we’ve had devastating real-world success with them in the past. Then, we consulted our friend Richard Mann who suggested introducing a bit of water to the tip. The CB medium, he surmised, is too thick to squeeze through the bullet’s small tip oriice and start expansion. Since living tissue is mostly water, it makes sense

that bullets designed to expand in a moist medium will struggle with this stuff. We layered up a few wet paper towels on the front of the Clear Ballistics block and that did the trick. Side note, if you ever hear reports of a 5.56mm TSX round failing to drop a homicidal, top-heavy woman, ask if she had silicon implants. The long, light, and fast projectile hits with 793 foot-pounds of energy thanks to its 2,694 fps muzzle velocity, which is about 200 fps faster than the other rounds we tested. That’s a big hammer and the projectile managed to maintain 100 percent of its mass while expanding to almost twice its diameter. The 28-inch penetration in fake gel seems like a lot, but all we can say is that we’re using fake gel.

Note: There are two wound tracks below. They appear to overlap, but are several inches apart. The near shot is the one we used for this evaluation. The further, with the later cavitation, was our irst attempt and the bullet didn’t have enough moisture in the tip to expand properly.

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SBR AMMO BUYER’S GUIDE BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION

77GR TIPPED SIERRA MATCH KING MSRP

$60 URL

www.black-hills.com

NOTES

The original Black Hills 77gr SMK was developed more than a decade ago in response to the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy’s need to feed the 18-inch 5.56 MK12 Designated Marksman Rifle. The resulting round, known as Mk262 Mod 1, became renowned for both its accuracy and terminal ballistic performance during the war in

TEST RESULTS 2,398 Average Velocity (FPS): Velocity Standard Deviation: 15 Velocity Extreme Spread: 40 Average 5-Shot Group: 1.28 MOA Best 5-Shot Group: 0.52 Wound Track Length: 28 inches Cavity Initiation: At 1.5 inches Cavity Length: 6.5 inches Bullet Expansion: 200% Bullet Weight Retention: 63.1%

FEDERAL AMMUNITION

62GR FUSION MSR MSRP

$22 URL

www.federalpremium.com TEST RESULTS 2,500 Average Velocity (FPS): Velocity Standard Deviation: 29.9 Velocity Extreme Spread: 95 Average 5-Shot Group: 1.63 MOA Best 5-Shot Group: 0.63 Wound Track Length: 20.25 inches Cavity Initiation: At 1 inch Cavity Length: 7 inches Bullet Expansion: 249% Bullet Weight Retention: 86%

Iraq and Afghanistan. The cartridge we’re looking at is an updated version with an improved BC and a ballistic tip to increase ballistic coefficient. The 77gr tipped SMK is a thin-jacketed, unbonded match round. It’s unlike many of its competitors in the tactical realm that tout their bonded construction and weight retention for better barrier ballistics. This bullet’s key feature is its ability to do the opposite, to fragment. When this bullet clubs someone up close, it fragments fast and dumps an absolute assload of frags into the wound. This load hauls an estimated 811 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, carrying the most energy to the target in our ammo test group.

The resulting wound track and cavity are brief, but eventful. The bullet upended, headed downward, and at some point, the lead core split from the thin copper jacket and continued on for an inch or so, coming to rest after producing a 12.9-inch wound track, hitting the mark for the FBI’s minimum penetration performance. Compared to the other bullets in the group, this is the shortest wound track and the short track indicates the bullet used its energy in an explosive manner, consistent with the separated core and jacket. The wound cavity is about 6.5 inches, and shows what we’d expect from such a healthy blast into gel, a 2- to 3-inch-wide permanent cavity.

barrel, vice a 20-inch-plus barrel normally found on a bolt-action hunting rifle. Shorter barrels call for faster burning propellant that’ll get the bullet up to speed without spewing flame and unburned powder while providing enough gas to cycle a semi-auto action. The bullet itself is made using Federal’s Fusion process, which uses electrolysis to molecularly bond a lead slug with the copper jacket before the bullet is formed. That’s the opposite of traditional cup and core construction in which a lead slug is dropped into a copper jacket, forming a mechanical bond between the two materials. Federal says its Fusion process results in higher weight retention, which leads

to more controlled expansion, and with 86-percent weight retention and 249-percent expansion in our gelatin test we’re obliged to agree. Retaining more than 80 percent in a non-bonded or non-monolithic bullet construction is solid work. The bullet began to cavitate within an inch of entering the gel and proceeded to belch out a ripper for another 7 inches before it augered to the end of our 20-inch block, stalling just past the threshold into the abutting block. Based on the 2-inch width of the permanent wound cavity and its 7-inch length, the round gave up most of its 690 foot-pounds quickly and the hot round melted the goo in front of it as it drifted gently to a stop in the suspension.

NOTES

Federal’s MSR cartridges are about five years old and were made to address the growth of hunters running semi-auto AR platforms. The lacquered primer in the MSR line is a little tougher than what you might find in other hunting cartridges to mitigate slam fires that can happen with the AR’s free-floating firing pin. The brass has that dirty look from post-wash annealing that the military requires as an indicator that the cases are properly annealed after neck sizing. Federal uses this marking to differentiate the MSR line from its other hunting rounds. The company also used custom propellants with flash suppressing chemistry and optimized charge weight for a 16-inch

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HORNADY

NOTES

75GR INTERLOCK HD SBR MSRP

$20/20 URL

www.hornady.com TEST RESULTS 2,269 Average Velocity (FPS): Velocity Standard Deviation: 15.7 Velocity Extreme Spread: 45 Average 5-Shot Group: 1.43 MOA Best 5-Shot Group: 1.05 Wound Track Length: 40+ inches Cavity Initiation: None visible Cavity Length: None Visible Bullet Expansion: Unrecovered Bullet Weight Retention: Unrecovered

This is the weird one. We can’t say for sure why the exposed lead tip of Hornady’s 75gr InterLock SBR bullet didn’t mushroom out when it came in contact with the Clear Ballistics media. Lord knows we tried. We shot cartridges from three boxes into a couple of blocks, even switching them around for the hell of it. No matter what we did, those InterLock projos zipped straight through 40 inches of material without fail. The 75gr InterLock bullet was designed in 2015 in response to the FBI’s request to industry for a short-barreled rifle-specific cartridge. The FBI was looking for a round with a more efficient, cleaner powder that could run in a 10.5- to 11.5-inch semi-auto carbine. It needed a bullet that could expand at the reduced velocities SBRs put out, too. The FBI’s test protocol gauged bullet performance by shooting bare gelatin, heavy clothing, auto glass, ¾-inch

NOSLER

64GR DEFENSE BONDED SOLID BASE MSRP

$21/20 URL

www.nosler.com TEST RESULTS Average Velocity (FPS): Velocity Standard Deviation: Velocity Extreme Spread: Average 5-Shot Group: Best 5-Shot Group: Wound Track Length: Cavity Initiation: Cavity Length: Bullet Expansion: Bullet Weight Retention:

2,432 46.9 129 0.79 MOA 0.52 24 inches At 0 inches 9 inches 181% 100%

plywood, two sheets of drywall, 20-gauge sheet steel, and a 100-yard bare gel test. Since the InterLock passed the FBI test protocol, we assume it’d open up when hitting our gel block. And yet, it did not. In our quest to recover one damned bullet, we ired 10 rounds through the blocks and while a handful of them showed some cavitation, we had to wonder if that was just the unexpanded bullet yawing and creating turbulence through the gel. The majority of the bullets tracked straight through, but a few yawed and exited the block’s sides and top. We spoke with Hornady ballistician Jayden Quinlan about the bullet’s performance. He was surprised the bullet didn’t open since it was designed to expand in gel when moving as slow as 1,900 fps. He said Hornady can’t guarantee any results when using synthetic gelatin because they don’t use it in their own testing.

While we can’t talk much about its terminal performance, we can say that it produced respectable groups for a round made for close-quarters battle and its velocity was equally as consistent with an SD of 15.7. We’ve no doubt we could hit whatever we aim at, but until we mix up our own ordnance gel we’ll assume the Clear Ballistics failed, and not the bullet. We’ll shoot real 10-percent gel and share the result on RECOILweb.com..

NOTES

At about five years old, Nosler’s Bonded Solid Base Defense ammo design is relatively new. Like its competitors, the company wanted to add a bullet to its catalog designed for MSRs, with a tip that can take getting smacked around inside a mag and on its way into the chamber. The bullet was designed around four requirements; reliable feeding, high weight retention, reliable expansion, and maximum penetration. Based on our accuracy, ballistic and forensic evaluation, Nosler nailed all four of those attributes.

We had no malfunctions with the round, recorded 100-percent weight retention, 181-percent expansion, and 24 inches of travel through Clear Ballistics gelatin. Accuracy-wise, holy crap. We had to check after the first five-round group that we hadn’t accidentally loaded a match round. We didn’t know our MK18 could print a 0.79 MOA group, let alone a 0.52. We thank whoever made that blood sacrifice to the MOA gods on our behalf. We pulled a couple handfuls of cartridges apart to measure the caseto-case powder variation and were not

Note: Ignore the lower wound track.

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shocked to find it varied by 1/10 of a grain. The overall cartridge length only varied by 5 thousands. Those numbers are pretty much within the realm of handloading. The bullet tracked straight, with a little porpoising after expansion. It hit the block with 609 foot-pounds of energy and the bonded bullet maintained all its weight. We’ve always had great luck hunting with Nosler ammunition, and based on the tight tolerances we found in this cartridge, we now know why.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN DRESSING UP AND GEARING UP BY TOM MARSHALL PHOTOS BY RCP PHOTOGRAPHY

The image of the dapper shootist has been hard-etched into irearms pop culture. From

BASE LAYERS The cornerstone of our ensemble comes from

the well-dressed lead slingers of the old west to

The Suit Man in New York City. The Suit Man

high-fashion gunighters like James Bond and

makes the irst dedicated “tactical suit” — at

John Wick — the latter being well-known to

least, it’s the irst that we’ve heard of. The

modern moviegoers as “a man of focus, commit-

pants feature an extra layer of material from

ment, and sheer will.” The big screen facsimile is

the knees down for increased wear resistance.

plenty good fun, but there are thousands of real

The jackets are speciically cut to hang closer

people who wear both suits and guns to protect

to the body, and include side vent slits to aid

their country, community, or loved ones. While

access to equipment. These suits are currently

plaid shirts, cargo pants, and trail shoes make

being used by a number of law enforcement and

far more comfortable ighting attire, one may not

government agencies, but are available to the

be afforded such luxury when that really bad day

public. Their lightweight tri-blend suits retail

comes knocking.

for $350 or $400 for the 100-percent wool

Detectives, agents, lawyers, or entrepreneurs, if your daily routine calls for shiny shoes and jackets with buttons, a number of carry options

version. They’re not bulletproof, but are durable, comfortable, and affordable. Our sample came in charcoal, but black and

are out there regardless of whether your EDC

navy blue are also available. These are two-piece,

calls for a fashion-conscious pocketknife or dis-

two-button, single-breasted suits with a tapered

cretely packaged irepower and protection. This

it. The overall style is conservative, somewhat

guide is by no means comprehensive, but we

athletic, and flattering, but still professional.

hope to touch on the full spectrum of possible

These are workingmen’s suits. They may not

self-defense requirements while staying focused

quite it in at the Casino Royale, but the wearer

on dressing in and around formal business attire.

will have a solid, functional piece of professional

SUIT MAN TACTICAL SUIT $350 suitmanusa.com (516) 395-4844

RESCO INSTRUMENTS RTAC $1,205 rescoinstruments.com

VERITAS TACTICAL MICRO AR PISTOL FROM $1,400 veritastactical.com

GREY GHOST GEAR WANDERER MESSENGER BAG $200 greyghostgear.com

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(FIRE) POWER SUITS 5.11 PURSUIT OXFORDS $50 511tactical.com

OAKLEY SI CROSSHAIR $163 www.oakley.com

FIRST SPEAR HOLSTER $94 TACTICAL DRESS BELT $73 first-spear.com

USPALM ANKLE CARGO CUFF $40 rykernylongear.com

EVERYDAY EQUIPMENT For the vast majority of us, a couple pieces of well-selected gear will do wonders in an emergency. A fully charged cell phone, quality knife, and powerful pocket light will be enough to extricate yourself from a broad spectrum of urban mishaps. If you can wear a gun, do so. Any quality leather or Kydex holster that sits tight to the body will do. The side slits in our tactical suit jacket seemed to let it fall a little more freely around the pistol. We don’t wear suits very often, but this one seemed to print less than the rest of our selection from discount suit warehouse. While the author’s daily setup makes extensive use of G10 and webbed nylon, he decided to pursue slightly more reined hardware for this ensemble. On a practical note, be mindful that the gear you carry in your jeans may not be the same you want to put into suit pants. Knives with super-grippy scales or lights with heavily knurled bodies will tear up the edges of your pockets before you know it. The last piece of vital EDC is a quality med kit. We took advantage of the wardrobe built to handle daily use. They’re sized off the jackets and only available in even-numbered sizes. Our pants came with a waistline 6 inches larger than the jacket size and uninished hems. This leaves some room (see what we did there?) for custom tailoring. Prefer cuffed pants? Need the waist taken in? Sleeves slightly too long? All easy

Above: Proper gear selection and a little bit of fashion sense will allow you to conceal everything from Band-Aids to body armor under formal businesswear. Left: The Suit Man tactical suit is comfortable and lightweight, while also aiding concealment. The author is wearing his Glock 19, two spare mags and ankle med kit in this photo.

formal footwear game with 5.11 Tacti-

growing trend in ankle-borne trauma

cal’s Mission Ready Oxford. These are

kits. Ours came from the now-defunct

the mullet of dress shoes — business

US PALM. These are no longer for sale,

on top, tactical on the bottom. They

although you may be able to trade a

feature a traditional-style leather

buddy who still has one. Nevertheless,

dress upper mated to the lightweight

a quick Internet search will turn up a

foot bed of their Recon boot with an

number of high-quality alternatives that

aggressive traction sole that looks like

achieve the same end.

an off-road truck tire. We rounded out our base outit with

The cut of our Suit Man suit pants were loose enough to make a well-

a First Spear Line One belt. The Line

stocked ankle kit all but vanish. If

One is a simple belt made of Bio-

ankle cuffs aren’t your style, shop

Thane, a nylon core covered with ure-

smart and you can strip down the

much better than the one-size-its-

thane. This creates the feel and look

bare components so that they’ll it in

most suits you ind at big-box retail-

of leather, while also being impervi-

the back pocket of your pants, or the

ers without requiring the time and

ous to temperature and moisture. We

inside pocket of your suit jacket. Flat-

money of fully bespoke formalwear.

modiied our sample belt by applying

rolled duct tape, a clotting sponge,

But the most tactical suit in the

a few short strips of hook-side tape to

compact chest seals, and a SWAT-T

world isn’t much good if you slip and

the back of the belt, to more securely

tourniquet can be rubber-banded to-

fall on a gravel path or patch of ice

hold up some of our additional equip-

gether in a footprint not much thicker

while moving to cover. We upped our

ment. More on that in a bit …

than a full wallet.

ixes with a quick trip to your local seamstress. We think this setup strikes a nice balance — it looks

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101

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(FIRE) POWER SUITS FULL FIGHTING LOAD The simplest way to carry your gun under a suit may be a belt holster. If that’s all you need, and the last paragraph answered all your questions, more power to you. But start adding things like rifle mags, radio, ixed-blade knife, grenades, and so on until your pants sag like those kids at the mall your granddad always yells at. So how do you carry full kit when you can’t really wear a proper kit? Enter the First Spear Tactical Dress Belt. Think of the TDB as a slightly toned-down battle belt. It’s shorter and thinner, while offering the same degree of modularity. The 6/12 pouch attachment system uses laser-cut slits in the fabric instead of MOLLE loops, making the design a little sleeker. The attachment points are separated so you could thread a belt in and out to accommodate traditional belt holsters or pouches. The back side of the Tactical Dress Belt also has loop-side Velcro. Our sample Tactical Dress Belt came with a belt holster and two of their multi-mag adjustable pouches. These pouches, a double pistol mag and single rifle mag respectively, use a unique ratcheting system to tighten or loosen the pouch body, accommodating a wide array of magazine types. We also took advantage of the Velcro backing to store our Colonel Blades Low-Viz dagger. Its short blade and pistol grip handle gave it a natural it for this application. There are some trade-offs to using

SUREFIRE EDCL1-T $165 surefire.com

a system like this. On the plus side, it’s easy to ditch your gear if you don’t need to have it on you full time. Even fully equipped, it can be rolled up and kept ready in a bag, large desk drawer, or hanging on a coat hook. When the balloon goes up, click it on and you’re good to go. It also doesn’t

FIRST SPEAR MULTIMAG RAPID ADJUSTABLE POUCH PISTOL/RIFLE STARTING AT $51 LINE ONE BELT $73 first-spear.com

CITIZEN ARMOR T-SHIELD $310-590 citizenarmor.com

irepower in a package the size of a

CARBON TACTICS BADGERSTRAP MAGNETIC TACTICAL BELT $65 carbontactics.com

FIRST SPEAR ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT PLATE CARRIER $99 first-spear.com

shoe box, Veritas might have just what you’re looking for. Our test gun sat inside the Wanderer bag with enough room leftover for a laptop and a pair of tennis shoes. As much as we like the Wanderer, it’s not as purpose built as a gun bag. There’s a compartment on the body side of the bag lined with loop side fabric. Go nuts illing it with whatever hook-tape-backed pouches you need. The vertical pocket on the end is perfect for medical supplies. However, the rest of the bag isn’t particularly accommodating to your danger gear. There are some pouches in the front pocket that are sized just right to hold AR mags. But these pouches have no retention whatsoever and we dumped our combat load in the dirt several times when picking up the bag by one end or moving too aggressively. But there’s enough opportunity here to make it work while maintaining a passive, non-tactical appearance. While the selection and stocking of go-bags is well beyond the scope of this guide, we wanted to outline potential

put weight directly on your pants. But even though this system was

OFF-BODY CARRY Some folks prefer carrying their

speciically designed with formal wear

emergency supplies off-body in a pack

in mind, it adds more bulk around the

or bailout bag. There are enough op-

waist than we had hoped. Perhaps

tions for shoulder bags and backpacks

different pouches, or different

to ill several separate articles. We

placement, would help out some.

tried out a Wanderer Messenger Bag

We loaded the sides of the belt to

from Grey Ghost Gear. We appreci-

keep the back clear so that we could

ate the Wanderer’s waxed canvas

still sit in a car or at a desk without

construction, waterproof zippers, and

anything digging into our spine.

glorious lack of MOLLE webbing. It’s

Arranged this way, even our Tactical

a low-key, fashionable bag that fully

Suit had trouble keeping the loadout

eschews the “man purse” paradigm.

Above: The First Spear Slick and Grey Ghost Wanderer provide rifle-plate protection and the ability to conceal a rifle-caliber PDW with folding stock (or brace). We wore the Slick over our dress shirt for demo purposes, but wearing it underneath is equally as comfortable. Left: While the First Spear Tactical Dress Belt is far from invisible, it does provide low(er) proile load carriage when additional irepower is needed.

setups for the sake of due diligence.

UP-ARMORED OPTIONS Beyond Hollywood gunmen, we suspect the most common stereotype for the combination of dress suits and armor would be bodyguards or law enforcement. What about district attorneys on high-proile cases? Or businessmen traveling to high-risk countries to scout out “emerging markets” or bring manufacturing jobs to “developing economies?” Do you work at a bank in

discreet. There’s no doubt that the

We used our sample bag to carry

Tactical Dress Belt is going to be a

around a Micro AR Pistol from Veritas

bit much for the armed citizen, but

Tactical. Veritas is run by a veteran

for professionals required to be well

with years of Executive Protection

as it seems on irst glance. We looked

dressed in a high-threat environment

experience and specializes in subcom-

at two different types of armor carriers,

this may be just the thing. After all,

pact AR pistols. We’re talking 5.56mm

one each for plates and soft panels,

wearing Multicam with formal attire is

builds with 5-inch barrels and fold-

speciically designed for minimum bulk

a tactical fashion faux pas.

ing pistol braces. If you need rifle

and visual signature.

C O N C E A L M E N T

103

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

Chicago or Detroit? Our point is that the idea of so-called everyday people wearing body armor isn’t nearly as paranoid

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Well-appointed accessories are just as important as your choice of suit or holster. They provide ight-ready functionality while seamlessly integrating into your more formal wardrobe.

HANGING IT ON THE RACK

Our sample soft carrier comes from

tra Lightweight Plate Carrier. It’s as sim-

Citizen Armor. Their Civvy concealable

ple as simple can get. The plate pockets

soft-armor carrier is incredibly low-

are made of Tweave material, with both

proile while still offering full coverage

the cummerbund and shoulder straps

in either Level II or Level IIIA protec-

being Velcro adjustable. It’s not meant

tion. Our sample was a Level II vest

to carry anything but plates. We’re not

listed as only 0.19-inch thick, doing

sure how well this carrier would do with

away with the stereotype of the bulky

the ultralight Level III plates, which

to impress without sacriicing the

Kevlar that shifts and bunches during

are often more than an inch thick. For

right to self-defense. The Suit Man

daily wear. The Civvy also features cloth

that matter, we also don’t think AR500

tactical suit is a purpose built,

“tails” in the front and back that can

plates will function well, on account of

reasonably priced starting point

be tucked into your pants to keep the

the amount of stretch in the Tweave.

when the dress code requirement

vest from sliding around as much. Dif-

Then again, we didn’t try it either. Our

is professional and prepared.

ferent sizes are available, but the vests

experience with the Slick was that it’s

Beyond that are myriad options for

are also highly adjustable thanks to

comfortable and incredibly breathable,

accessorizing, depending on the level

Velcro and elastic straps for both waist

a feature we very much appreciated

of protection you require. Use this

and shoulder adjustment.

while testing all this gear in Southern

as a starting point to igure out what

For those who need hard plate pro-

Arizona. In June. Plates were held tight

works for you and to build yourself a

tection in their lives, First Spear once

to the body and there was no bouncing

sharp-dressed solution to keep safe

again comes through with the Slick Ul-

or shifting while moving.

from boardroom to barrio. C

C O N C E A L M E N T

104

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

While there’s no way to reasonably cover every permutation of suitsuitable carry gear, we can provide at least a sampling of both the products and techniques available to those of you who must dress

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