EDC: Firearm
Every Day Carry firearms is a hugely debated topic on the internet.
People argue about caliber, frame size, sights, extra ammo, and countless other factors.
I have opinions like everyone else.
The opinions are based on my experience with carrying a firearm.
The biggest hurdle is actually doing it.
The barriers to carrying a firearm are:
- Fear of Legal Consequences
- Confusion over laws (e.g., where/when you can carry or use it).
- Fear of accidentally breaking the law and getting arrested or sued.
- Concern that law enforcement may react aggressively if you are
stopped while carrying.
- Concern about civil liability even if a shooting is legally
justified.
- Behavioral Adjustments
- Getting In and Out of Vehicles:
- Using the Restroom in Public:
- Clothing Adjustments and Self-Consciousness:
- Physical Contact / Hugging / Bending Over:
- Off Body Storage in the Office: Managing access and risk.
- Daily Habits That Require New Routines: Dressing in the morning;
choosing holster-friendly clothes.
- Social Situations: Some worry about being judged or asked awkward
questions.
Removing the Fear
Getting past the Fear of Legal Consequences is pretty easy.
If you read the Firearm Self Defense Theory, Understanding
Violence, and the Reference Data covering the Texas Laws, you
have exposure to the rights and responsibilities of carrying a firearm.
If you want more information, then take the online class for the Texas License to Carry.
The LTC gives you more legal protection.
Self-Defense Insurance is also a good idea.
Self-Defense Insurance Providers for Gun Owners
Note: Prices may vary by state, plan, and coverage level.
Always confirm on the official website.
Adjusting Your Behavior
Behavioral Adjustments problems are typically solved with the right kind of
holster.
I find that most waistline holsters "print" excessively on me.
It might be better to consider a pocket holster in Tactical
Pants, a shoulder rig compression shirt, or off body carry in a
purse, fanny pack, or messenger bag.
A firearm can't save your life at home in a safe.
Common Holster Types
| Holster Type |
Body Location |
Benefits |
| Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) |
Inside the pants, usually hip or appendix |
Conceals well, good access, popular for everyday carry (EDC) |
| Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) |
Outside the pants, on the hip or belt |
More comfortable, easier draw, better for open carry |
| Appendix Carry (AIWB) |
Front of the body, around the 1-2 o'clock position |
Fast draw, high concealability, good for seated positions |
| Shoulder Holster |
Under the arm, worn with shoulder straps |
Great for sitting/driving, balances weight, can carry spare mags |
| Pocket Holster |
Inside a front or back pants pocket |
Simple concealment for small firearms, easy to carry |
| Ankle Holster |
Wrapped around the ankle or lower calf |
Good for backup guns, deep concealment |
| Belly Band |
Elastic band worn around the midsection |
Versatile placement, good for athletic wear or deep concealment |
| Chest/Rig Holster |
Worn on the chest with straps (common in hiking/hunting) |
Secure, accessible during outdoor activities, distributes weight well |
| Small of Back (SOB) |
Center of the back, around the 6 o'clock position |
Conceals well, ambidextrous draw possible, less likely to print |
| Thigh/Drop-Leg Holster |
Strapped to the upper thigh |
Quick access, favored by tactical/military users |
Note: The best holster depends on your body type, clothing,
firearm size, and daily routine. Safety, retention, and training are critical for any
carry method.
Selecting an EDC Firearm
Fits Your Hand:
You need a firearm that you can instinctively point with. The average gun fight is less that
10 feet. Fancy sights and lasers are not needed at 10 ft.
Easy to Operate:
Make sure slide levers, safeties, and magazine ejection buttons feel natural.
Easy to Carry Concealed:
Choose thinner and smaller when possible.
Full size with extra capacity magazines are better for home defense vs self defense.
Dependable Hollow Point Ammo:
Center fire cartridges are preferred over rimfire; Always use hollow points.
Highest Concealable Capacity:
The difference between .45 ACP and 9mm has been studied; a quality hollow point makes
caliber irrelevent.
Choose the most capacity.
It is better to have a cheap 5 shot revolver in your pocket concealed than
NOT CARRYING because the firearm was too big for your outfit.
Where to buy your firearm?
I personally buy my firearms from Palmetto State Arms and have then shipped to my local pawn
shop.
The FFL cost is typically under $50 dollars.
You will notice that I buy more from the value side of the market vs the Gucci
side.
This is a preference thing for me; not advice.
Buy what makes you happy.
There are so many strong contenders in the budget space that I am trying to collect and
experience them all.
- Palmetto State Arms
- PSA
Dagger 9mm Pistols
"Chambered in 9x19mm, the Palmetto Dagger is fed from a supplied
PMAG® 15 GL9™ (15-Round) magazine and operated by a smooth single-action
striker-fired trigger mechanism.
The Palmetto Dagger is feature-rich even in its standard form, yet also provides
a framework for further customization, as it is highly compatible with many
aftermarket offerings.
The slide is also finished with a FDE Cerakote coating and RMR footprint for
compatibility with RMR style reflex sights. A Cover plate is also included."
~$350
- SAR
USA 9mm Pistols
"The SAR USA SAR9 CX has the combination of excellent
ergonomics, (the pistol fits the hand like a glove), a relatively low bore axis,
and an extended beavertail on the frame that make for an incredibly smooth
shooting concealed carry or duty pistol. With a 15-round capacity, the SAR9 CX
is suitable for concealed carry or duty use.
A Picatinny rail on the frame lets you mount a light or laser of your choice for
enhanced capabilities. Changeable backstrap and grip panels let you customize
the frame to provide the optimal grip. The SAR9 CX combines comfort, control,
and concealment into a very smooth shooting pistol.
The X-Package includes the accessories you need to be range and concealed carry
ready out of the box."
~$250
- Snub
Nose Revolvers
"Built for personal defense. Perfected for everyday carry. Lightweight. Easy to
conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus 856 is finely tuned
to deliver the ultimate peace of mind for home and personal defense
situations."
~$320
Sporting Goods stores often have smokin' deals right before or after certain
holidays. Take full advantage.