Articles with gear

A Directory of Holster Makers

Image of an OWB leather holster by Urban CarryUsing a holster to carry your defensive firearm is necessary to 1) secure the trigger from negligent discharge, 2) consistently position the gun for safe and rapid deployment, and 3) achieve sustainable comfort for long periods of time. John Correia of Active Self Protection identifies the three critical qualities of a holster as: 1) cover the trigger guard completely, 2) hold the firearm securely, and 3) allow access to the firearm reliably. Holsters are generally made of leather, KYDEX® (thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite), or a combination of both.

Greg Ellifritz of Active Response Training offers hints and guidelines to help make your holster-buying decision.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Why Do You Carry a Gun for Self-Defense? ]

Holsters use a variety of methods to secure the handgun until it’s needed. The most common retention method (known as “Level Zero” or “Open Top”) is nothing more than a snug fit to keep the firearm in place as you move about (walking, running, jumping, bending, etc.) while allowing it to be quickly retrieved without an extra step.

Image of an IWB KYDEX® holster by Comp-Tac

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Matters to Consider When Deciding on a Handgun ]

For an added level of retention, holsters (“Level 1”) are also available with a top strap or some type of release lever, usually activated with either the index finger or the thumb. These holsters can provide further confidence that your gun, especially when open carried, will remain in the holster until you need it.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Directory of Firearm Podcasts & Video Channels ]

The following are the different styles of holsters available to keep your defensive gun readily accessible in a variety of settings and clothing considerations:

Image of the Flanker Shoulder Holster by SwapRig Holsters

  • Inside the Waist Band (IWB)
  • Appendix Inside the Waist Band (AIWB)
  • Outside the Waist Band (OWB)
  • Cross-Draw
  • Shoulder Holster
  • T-Shirt Holster
  • Belly Band
  • Concealed Boxer-Briefs
  • Pocket
  • Ankle
  • Chest
  • Drop-Leg
  • Thigh
  • Bra
  • Leggings
  • Fanny/Hip Pack / Backpack / Sling Pack
  • Off-Body Carry (OBC) (jacket, purse, briefcase, etc.)

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Self-Defense Training Directory ]

An abundance of holster creators are available online. Here’s a directory of links to a few of them (we highly recommend Vedder: IWB/OWB & pocket; Galco: ankle; and SwapRig: shoulder), as well as articles about holsters:

Read More…

Why Use and How to Choose Pepper Spray

If you carry a gun for self-defense, you should also carry pepper spray.* Even if you don’t carry a gun, you should carry pepper spray, also known as oleoresin capsicum (“OC”).

Using a firearm for self-defense is always the very last option in a lethal attack situation. But you shouldn’t rely solely on a gun as your only means of self-defense. FBI/DOJ crime statistics tell us we’re 5 times more likely to be faced with a non-deadly threat, against which only non-deadly defensive force is legally appropriate, than we are a deadly threat.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, The 5 Elements of Self-Defense Law ]

Under what circumstances is the use of pepper spray as a defensive tool lawful and advisable? What conditions have to be met before you can use pepper spray in self-defense? Pepper spray is a non-deadly form of self-defense and can be used to stop any reasonably perceived threat of non-deadly harm, which means almost any degree of harm. So long as you use it defensively and not offensively, generally speaking you should be within your rights.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Categories and Their Items for Every Day Carry (EDC) ]

In the following video, Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner says, “OC gives you a force option that’s somewhere between harsh language and shooting somebody. We all know that statistically, we are very unlikely to end up in a situation where we need to use our firearm to defend our life. Much more common are situations that call for some kind of intervention that’s less than deadly force. Maybe someone is behaving in a threatening way, but they don’t have a weapon and they have not done anything yet that would warrant using deadly force. That might be a good time to deploy some OC.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Video: Always Carry Pepper (OC) Spray for Non-Lethal Force Self-Defense ]

Read More…

Checklist: Categories and Their Items for Every Day Carry (EDC)

Browse EDC items at AmazonPreparedness is a vital element of SemperVerus mindfulness. One act of being prepared is to be intentional about selecting specific practical items to keep with you in your pockets, purse, belt pack, day pack, or vest as you travel through your day.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, SemperVerus and the Noble Foundation of Scouting ]

Everyday carry (EDC) is the collection of useful gear you consistently tote on your person to help you overcome simple everyday problems and to anticipate unexpected and possibly dangerous situations. Your selection of tools you consider to be essential is a personal decision. An item you think is vital may not even enter the mind of someone else. But that makes it no less important for you. You need to balance practicality and preparedness with weight, bulk, and comfort. Each component of your EDC should serve a purpose or have at least one specific, useful function.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Prepper Survival, Travel, Leadership, Reader Apps ]

Every day, your EDC essentials prepare you for the worst and empower you to do your best.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Questions to Ask Yourself ]

To help you think through your own EDC, here’s a list of major categories to consider and item ideas for each one. You decide what and how much you want to carry every day.

Read More…

Stranded in Your Car This Winter? Here’s How to Survive

On the USCCA blog, Frank Jastrzembski writes: The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration reported that more than 70% of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions, which receive more than 5 inches of snowfall on average annually. Nearly 70% of the US population lives in this area.

Having a winter survival kit in your vehicle is an essential part of winter travel. Your kit should include the following items:

Read More…