Firearms instructors are often viewed as wise, all-knowing experts. It is prudent for an instructor who is consulted regarding the best choices in EDC accessories to question the inquirer about his or her needs before making recommendations. Simplicity of operation, handling and maintenance should be high on the individual’s list. Reliability and dependability in adverse conditions — as well as adequate accuracy, power and capacity — are equally as important. The well-used phrase of “everything you need and nothing you don’t” should be kept in mind for each individual’s application.
Ditch the Add-Ons
A mistake made by more than a few people is to style their concealed carry pistols like competition guns with add-ons in hopes of squeezing every last bit of speed and accuracy out of them. Let’s not forget to mention that this enhances the visual appeal of the guns too. But these add-ons compromise the reliability of a firearm because the more finely tuned a pistol is, the more finicky it is in its operation, its maintenance requirements and the ammunition with which it will function flawlessly.
If a pistol is going to be a practical tool for self-defense, it has to be durable inside and out. It also has to digest any quality factory ammunition with boring regularity. One could even entertain a non-reflective finish to augment the surreptitious nature of carrying concealed. Utilitarian might be a good descriptor of an EDC as opposed to a showpiece with all the custom attachments and shiny bits, which add bulk and draw attention.
If a pistol is going to be a practical tool for self-defense, it has to be durable inside and out.
Statistically speaking, your EDC is likely to be used in a close-proximity and brief event under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It would be unlikely for a responsibly armed American to need the gilt-edged advantage of precision for a distant shot if the distance from the adversary provides the option of escape instead of contact. The duration of the conflict, your likely improvised shooting position, your attempts at movement to safety and resistance to impact during that movement all demand total reliability and durability.
Light It Up
Auxiliary light sources and aiming aids mounted on EDC pistols can be “nice-to-haves” but should not be considered essentials in all but the narrowest of circumstances. There are advantages and disadvantages. Since the attachment of a light adds size to the defensive package, can it be comfortably and reasonably concealed with everyday wear and in the typical everyday conditions of the user’s environment? Safety must be considered since the light beam and the muzzle of the firearm to which it is attached point at the same space. The addition of a light to a pistol makes the safety rule “never point a firearm in the direction of something you don’t intend to shoot” more important than ever.
Lasers, like lights, also have their pros and cons. In some (but not all) cases, bulk is added to the dimension of the gun. As with lights, actuation switches may pose challenges with ambidexterity, one-handed operation and unintentional illumination. Lasers have their limitations in bright light, fog and smoky environments, but when zeroed properly, the devices allow eye focus on the target without compromising shot placement.
Mini Red Dot Sights (MRDS) have become popular on pistols of all categories. Like lights and lasers, these add bulk and require a holster designed specifically to accommodate their addition. For most people, MRDS take some getting used to in terms of drawing and shooting as quickly and efficiently as with conventional iron sights. The advantage of them is the ability to focus on the target rather than traditional sights and engage that target with pinpoint precision.
The common downside to lights, lasers and other battery-powered sighting devices is just that: the battery. The user of such devices must be vigilant in keeping the power sources fresh to ensure availability when needed. This will vary by device and use, which is another angle to take into account.
Remind students that when it comes to concealed carry, comfort and convenience go hand in hand. If the gun and associated gear can’t be carried comfortably or donned conveniently, excuses not to carry will arise.
Keep It ‘Big Picture’
When offering your advice regarding EDC options, encourage students or other inquiring individuals to think realistically. Concealment without flashing or printing, no matter what position the shooter assumes, is imperative to carrying concealed. Add-on accessories, such as extended or oversized levers, buttons and magazine wells, add dimension to the EDC piece and make printing far more likely. Given the nature of carrying concealed in close proximity to the body, these accessories have little practical application and, in fact, may be detrimental in fit and function for everyday use.
Remind students that when it comes to concealed carry, comfort and convenience go hand in hand. If the gun and associated gear can’t be carried comfortably or donned conveniently, excuses not to carry will arise and the whole mission is defeated before it even gets started.
As far as the practical elements of shooting go, accessibility and ease of recovery to the carry location are high on the list of considerations. Once the gun is removed from the holster, whether it is used or not, it eventually has to be replaced in the holster. Carry locations providing the best weapon retention are often overlooked but should be given close consideration.
Be a Minimalist
When you’re choosing your EDC pistol, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be adorned with all kinds of add-ons and gadgets. If it fits your hand, has a smooth trigger pull, has sights that are sufficient to see an adequate sight picture and is convenient to carry, little else is required. Think about what you really need and cut out the rest. Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to your EDC.
