everydaycarry-essentials.com – Page 2 – Your Everyday Carry/Concealed Carry Information Place

September 16, 2025October 3, 2025

If You Had Your Concealed Carry Permit, Would You Carry A Revolver Or A Semi-Automatic Handgun?

This is a difficult question, but one that truly needs to be answered if you get your concealed carry permit. Each one has some pros and cons but you will need to sort that out and figure out which one you will carry, So lets look into this question.

Why Use A Revolver?

Some key advantages of carrying a revolver are high reliability,

simplicity of operation, and the ability to fire more powerful cartridges than many semi-automatic pistols. A revolver’s straightforward design makes it a dependable choice for self-defense, particularly for new gun owners. Plus they just look very cool!

Reliability:

- Fewer malfunctions: Unlike semi-automatic pistols, revolvers are not dependent on gas pressure to cycle a new round. This means they are less susceptible to jams, failure to feed, or failure to eject.
- No “out of battery” issues: A semi-automatic pistol will not fire if the slide is not fully forward (“in battery”), which can happen if the muzzle is pressed against a target. A revolver’s cylinder design prevents this from occurring.
- A “second chance” on a bad round: If a round fails to fire in a double-action revolver, a user can simply pull the trigger again to rotate the cylinder and get a fresh cartridge. A semi-automatic pistol requires a more complex “tap, rack, bang” drill to clear the malfunction.
- Tolerates neglect better: While semi-automatics tolerate heavy use well, a revolver is more likely to function properly after sitting loaded for long periods without maintenance.

Simplicity of use:

- Simple controls: Revolvers have fewer moving parts and controls than most semi-automatics, which typically have magazine releases, slide stops, and external safeties. Most revolvers simply require the user to pull the trigger.
- No slide manipulation required: People with limited hand strength, such as the elderly or infirm, may find it difficult to rack the slide of a semi-automatic. A double-action revolver requires only a pull of the trigger.

Versatility and power:

- More powerful calibers: The revolver’s simple, rugged design can withstand the pressure of very powerful cartridges, including popular magnum rounds like the .357 and .44 Magnum. These are often too powerful for standard semi-automatic actions.
- Multi-caliber functionality: Many revolvers can fire multiple, less powerful calibers from the same cartridge family. For example, a .357 Magnum revolver can also fire the less powerful .38 Special and .38 Special +P

Recoil:

- In a revolver, once the hammer drops, the bullet exits the barrel, but nothing else moves. The equivalent amount of energy that just went forward with the bullet is also sent backward to your hand. It may “feel” a little different if you have a very heavy revolver, or one of the new polymer revolvers that flex and “absorb” some of the recoil, but the energy is the same. Your hand will feel pretty much the full force of the forward-traveling bullet.

Why Use A Semi-Automatic Handgun?

Semi-automatics can have higher capacity without reloading than revolvers. You’ll see some exceptions, but the basic concept that semi-auto’s use – storing ammunition in the magazine – provides more space for cartridges than the cylinder of a revolver.

Reliability:

Most modern guns made by reputable manufacturers are reliable. You have to work pretty hard to find a newly manufactured gun from a major manufacturer that is not reliable enough for practical use. You’ll recognize the names, like Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Springfield Armory, Glock, Taurus, Kimber, Colt and many others. One thing I’ve found is that gun manufacturers really want to please their customers, and most provide excellent service.

Recoil:

A given cartridge will have the same “recoil” regardless of whether it’s fired from a revolver or semi-automatic. What does differ is the recoil perception, or “felt recoil.”

With a semi-automatic, a lot happens to dissipate the felt recoil impulse. The energy going backwards is the same, but it feels different. Some is used to move the slide backward against pressure of the recoil spring. Some bleeds off moving the barrel. The whole process of motion in the gun is a little more indirect and drawn out, so that same recoil impulse may “feel” more drawn out than in a revolver.

In general, a semi-automatic of the same power level and weight will generally “feel” like it recoils less than a revolver. Heavier handguns of either style will have less “felt” recoil than ultralight models.

Capacity:

Semi-automatics usually can have higher capacity of bullets than revolvers. You may see some exceptions, but the basic concept that semi-auto’s use – storing ammunition in the magazine – provides more space for cartridges than the cylinder of a revolver. It would be kind of clumsy to have a revolver cylinder that held fifteen rounds or so.

What you need to think about is does capacity matter to you? What kind of use will you have for your handgun?

- Recreation?
- Hunting?
- Home protection?
- Concealed carry?

For many of these uses, capacity may not be a deciding factor. Just because one handgun holds more rounds than the other, that doesn’t mean it’s better?

Short trigger stroke:

In a semi-automatic handgun, a short trigger stroke refers to a trigger that requires minimal movement to fire the gun and reset for the next shot. This is a highly desired feature for competitive and experienced shooters, as it provides several advantages related to speed and accuracy.

There are a few different trigger actions that offer a short stroke:

Single-action only (SAO)

In an SAO pistol, the trigger’s only function is to release the hammer or striker. The reciprocating slide cocks the hammer for every shot.

- Trigger feel: The trigger pull is typically very light and has a very short distance of travel.
- Pistol examples: The most well-known SAO pistol is the M1911.

Striker-fired

Striker-fired pistols use a spring-loaded striker instead of a hammer. For these guns, a shorter trigger stroke is achieved through design and aftermarket modifications.

- Trigger feel: The trigger pull is often consistent and has a shorter travel than a traditional double-action pistol, making it easy to master.
- Pistol examples: Many modern pistols are striker-fired, including Glocks, Smith & Wesson M&P, and SIG Sauer P320.

Double-action/single-action (DA/SA)

On a DA/SA pistol, the first shot has a long, heavy double-action pull, which then cocks the hammer. All subsequent shots are fired in a short, light single-action mode.

- Trigger feel: The shorter, single-action pull allows for very fast and accurate follow-up shots.
- Pistol examples: Beretta 92, CZ 75, and SIG Sauer P226 are common DA/SA pistols.

Complexity:

A semi-automatics pistol may be considered more complex, they generally do have more buttons and levers than a revolver does. Assuming one has already been trained on basic gun operation and safety through professional instruction like the NSSF First Shots program, a revolver is pretty simple. Put cartridges in the holes, close the cylinder and pull the trigger. Semi-auto’s have more steps. For example, after inserting a magazine full of cartridges, one must generally “rack the slide” to load a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. Many models of semi-auto’s also have safety or de-cocker levers the change the firing status of the gun.

But let’s get real. We live in an age where we learn all sorts of new skills like texting, beaming pictures around the internet and operating the office Keurig machine. Learning the basic safe operation of any handgun, revolver or semi-automatic, is not really a show stopper is it?

So How Do You Choose?

I think the very best way to pick which gun is right for you is to try a few of each type. not just a few rounds but 20-30 rounds in each type. After that you will see which ones work best for you. Some people are more comfortable with revolvers. others are more comfortable with semi-automatics. The most important decision is how comfortable are you with that handgun? If you like it, and are comfortable with it, you’ll shoot it more. You’ll become proficient and confident and that’s what really matters.

Final Comments

OK so it is the moment of truth, which way should you go? It turns out that this is a personal decision that you have to make. There are plenty of good reasons that could make you go either way, but there is not one answer that is correct. It is time to weigh out each option and find out which reasons are most important to you. If you have read my articles then you know which way I would go. The big things that I look at are reliability, ammo capacity and which type of handgun that I shoot better.

If you have any questions about this post or anything related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

All the best,

Larry

Founder of EDC Essentials

September 13, 2025September 17, 2025

CCANKU C1101 FIXED BLADE KNIFE

Product Review

Handy Little Knife

Product: Ccanku C1101 Fixed Blade Knife

Price: $19.99

Durability: High

Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

My Overall Rating: 8.5

Quick Product Overview:

The Ccanku C1101 Fixed Blade Knife is a great tool for camping, hunting, hiking, survival and home use !! And with hanging clip on handle, more convenient for you to carry, you can hang it on your bag, belt, etc. You can have confidence that the blade will not slip during use. The blade is made of D2 steel and the handle is made of stainless steel, with the security of the Kydex sheath, it creates a tight hold when not in use

Specifications Of This Product:

Recommended Uses For Product	Outdoor,Camping
Brand	Canku
Model Name	C1101 Fixed Blade Knife
Special Feature	Stainless Steel
Included Components	Sheath
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Color	Black
Knife Weight	3.3 ounces
Overall Length	6.5 inches
Blade Length	2.2 Inches

What I Like About This Product:

This knife, despite its rather unique shape is not a bad knife. This knife is very sharp right out of the box, it is very sturdy and has very nice Kydex sheath. It appears to be an excellent value for the price that I paid.

What I Would Change About This Product:

Nothing yet

Final Remarks:

This is not the best knife that I have reviewed but it is not the worst either. But it does work as it should so that says a lot about this knife. If it appeals to you and you like this style of knife, then give it a try.

If you are interested in this product, click here. If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Fixed Blade Knives page, Thanks for reading this product review.

Go To EDC Fixed Blade Knives.

If you have any questions about this product review or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

Thanks,

Larry

Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

September 10, 2025September 23, 2025

I Finally Got My HI-POWER Back!

In one of my previous articles I mentioned that I made a very big mistake some years ago. I was in a bad financial need and I had to sell two of my handguns: a Springfield Armory 1911, .45ACP (top picture) and a Browning Hi Power Mark 3 9mm (bottom picture). I regreted that sale for many years! The 1911 and Hi-Power was both modified at Novak’s Sights with special sights and reliability work that made them shoot great and they were completely reliable. I really hated to sell those two handguns, they were sweet! That taught me that it is not a good idea to sell your firearms because you never get a price that they are really worth to you.

But a few years ago I was able to replace my Springfield Armory 1911 that I sold with a new Springfield Armory Ronin 1911 which made me very happy. They were both .45 ACP, which is a caliber that I really like. It had a little shorter barrel so it will work better as a concealed carry handgun. It had a lot of the same upgrades from the factory that I had done at Novak’s, so it was a good deal for me.

The prices on the Browning Hi-Powers have gotten so high that I have not been able to justify buying one, which was difficult for me to realize, and then came the Springfield Armory SA-35. It is a Hi-Power clone made by Springfield Armory, one of my favorite gun manufactures. I was able to trade my Glock 26, 9 mm for this pistol, at this point I did not want three 9mm pistols, so it seemed like a good deal to me. Let’s talk about the SA-35.

Why Has The Browning Hi Power Been So Popular?

The Browning Hi-Power has been popular because of its exceptional ergonomics and a slender, high-quality design that makes it feel natural and accurate in the hand, coupled with a storied history as a durable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing pistol that has been used by military and police forces worldwide.

Key factors for its popularity:

- Exceptional Ergonomics:
  The Hi-Power’s grip angle and overall design make it a very comfortable and natural-feeling handgun for many shooters, contributing to better recoil control and faster sight acquisition.
- Aesthetic Appeal and Quality:
  The pistol is often praised for its beautiful, delicate blue finish and overall aesthetic, making it a desirable firearm for collectors and those who appreciate classic designs.
- Influential Design and Legacy:
  As John Browning’s final design and a 1935 creation, it was a groundbreaking firearm, introducing features that influenced many modern handguns and earning it a place as an archetype of the modern pistol.
- Reliability and Durability:
  The Hi-Power was designed as a military and police workhorse, known for its ruggedness and reliability, leading to its widespread adoption by over 50 countries’ armed forces.
- Historical Significance:
  Its extensive military service history, including its use by special forces like the British SAS and during World War II, adds to its legendary status.
- Concealability:
  Despite being a full-sized pistol, its slender slide and frame make it surprisingly concealable for everyday carry.
- Updated Models and Clones:
  Even after its discontinuation in 2018, the introduction of new versions by FN Herstal and the development of various clones and copies by other manufacturers have kept the Hi-Power platform in the spotlight and accessible to a new generation of shooters.

What Is A SA-35?

The Springfield Armory SA-35 is a modern, American-made 9mm handgun that is a modernized take on the classic John Moses Browning P-35 (Browning Hi-Power) pistol design. Key upgrades to the SA-35 include a higher 15-round capacity magazine, improved modern sights, an improved trigger, a beveled magazine well for faster reloads, and the removal of the original magazine disconnect safety, all built on rugged forged and cold hammer-forged steel components for durability.

Key Features and Modernizations

- Classic Design with Modern Enhancements:
  It retains the classic lines and ergonomics of the original Browning design but incorporates several significant improvements.
- Enhanced Capacity and Trigger:
  The SA-35 features a 15-round magazine and lacks the original magazine disconnect safety, which results in a crisper, lighter, and smoother trigger pull.
- Durable Construction:
  The pistol uses modern, rugged components like forged steel parts for the frame and slide, and a cold hammer-forged barrel, ensuring strength and durability.
- Improved Ergonomics and Controls:
  Enhancements include a recontoured hammer to prevent “hammer bite,” a modern, extended thumb safety, and improved grips.
- Modern Sights:
  The SA-35 is equipped with a white-dot front sight and a black, serrated, rear U-notch sight for an improved sight picture.
- Beveled Magwell:
  The pistol features a beveled magazine well for faster and smoother magazine insertions during reloads.
- Aesthetically Pleasing:
  The classic matte blued finish with attractive walnut grips provides a “wood and steel” look reminiscent of classic firearms.

How Does The Springfield Armory SA-35 Compare To The Browning Hi Power?

The SA-35 is Springfield Armory’s modern interpretation of the classic Browning Hi-Power, retaining the original’s classic aesthetic while incorporating updated features like a lighter single-action trigger, a 15-round magazine capacity, a modern sighting system, a ring hammer, and a drop-safe design. The SA-35 is generally a more budget-friendly option and offers a slightly different shooting experience with its enhanced ergonomics and trigger compared to the original FN High Power.

Similarities:

- Classic Design: Both pistols share the iconic look and overall dimensions of the original Hi-Power.
- All-Steel Construction: Both are full-size, all-steel-frame handguns with matte blued finishes.
- Single-Action Trigger: Both feature a single-action trigger mechanism.
- Barrel Length: They have nearly identical barrel lengths of approximately 4.7 inches.
- Magazine Compatibility: SA-35 magazines are compatible with the original Hi-Power.

Differences & Modern Upgrades (SA-35):

- Trigger:
  The SA-35 has a significantly lighter and smoother single-action trigger pull, according to multiple sources.
- Magazine Capacity:
  The SA-35 includes a 15-round magazine, an increase from the original 10-round Hi-Power magazine.
- Sights:
  The SA-35 features a modern front white-dot sight and a rear sight with a shelf for tactical reloads, which is an improvement over the original sights.
- Hammer:
  The SA-35 uses an iconic ring hammer, while early models of the original Browning Hi-Power had a spur hammer.
- Magazine Disconnect:
  Springfield removed the magazine disconnect, allowing the pistol to fire without a magazine inserted.
- Drop Safety:
  The SA-35 is engineered to be drop-safe, unlike some earlier versions of the Browning Hi-Power.
- Grips:
  The SA-35 features traditional checkered walnut grips, providing a classic feel.
- Price Point:
  The SA-35 serves as a more budget-friendly option compared to the original, often higher-priced, Browning Hi-Power pistols.

What Do I Like About The Springfield Armory SA-35?

First and foremost the Browning Hi-Power 9mm handguns has to be the best looking handgun ever made, in my opinion and Springfield Armory did a great job making this new pistol and replicating the Hi-Power. Also this Hi-Power clone is made in the USA, instead of going overseas where things are much cheaper to manufacture. Next it is one of the smoothest shooting handguns on the market today. The grip angle and overall design works really well for me and the accuracy is the best I have used right out of the box.

What Do I Dislike About The Springfield Armory SA-35?

I can’t say I dislike much about this handgun, because it’s a great full sized 9mm handgun that really works well. But there are a couple of things that I am disappointed about: 1) The handgun only comes with one magazine! Come on Springfield Armory, most every handgun on the market today comes with 2 or 3 magazines. One magazine is not enough for me, I need at least two so I have one extra magazine as a backup. So I will need to buy at least one more, and they are about $30 each, for a good one. 2) I am a left-handed shooter and this handgun only has a safety on the left side for right-handed shooters – bummer! Since this is a single-action handgun, the best way to carry this firearm effectively is “cocked and locked”. That means a bullet in the chamber, the hammer is cocked and the safety in on. Then to shoot the firearm you just release the safety and pull the trigger. So I will need to contact a gunsmith and have them put in a ambidextrous-safety so that I can operate the safety using my left thumb. This is something that all of us “left-handed” shooters face.

What Modifications Will I Do To My Springfield Armory SA-35?

As I mentioned above there are a couple of things that I need to do to make this pistol 100% in my book. 1) I need to find an Ambidextrous Safety that I like so that I can use the safety quickly and easily when needed as a left-handed shooter. There are a few ambi-safeties on the market and I need to decide which one I should buy? The one that was recommended to me by a gunsmith was made by Cylinder & Slide and they are very nice, but the levers are very long and I am not sure if that will work for me. There is another one made by BH Spring Solutions that is much shorter but I am not sure if the quality matches with the Cylinder & Slide safety. So I need to do some more research and talk to a few more people to help me make up my mind. 2) The second thing that I need to do is buy 1-2 Extra Magazines. I do not mean cheaper aftermarket magazines but ones made by Springfield Armory. These are sold anywhere from $54 to $29 each. I found them at Midway USA for $28.99 each, so that is a good price for a Springfield Armory magazine. Other than those two things that will be the end of my modifications, unless something comes up at a later date.

What Holster Will I Carry My Springfield Armory SA-35 In?

I used to only wear IWB holster’s from Comp-Tac, that was my go-to holster for all my handguns. But now as I get older, I am enjoying OWB holsters, they are more comfortable and with some selective cover garments, they conceal just a well, providing you pick the right OWB holster. My favorite OWB holster is the Belt Aholster made by the Aholster Company in Telford Tennessee. These holsters are great, and they really conceal very well. They snap on to your belt in a way that is extremely secure. no threading your belt through the loops, they are a very nice little holster. My other choice is the Ronin Holster made by Gunfighters, Inc. in Rathdrum, Idaho. I have 3 of there other holsters: (2) Kenai Chest Holsters for my Glock 20 & 30 and (1) Spectre Shoulder Holster for my Glock 19 and they are an excellent holster company. The Ronin is an OWB holster which I am very interested in trying for my SA-35. I have not ever used one of these holsters but they seem to be a good holster. It is designed to be used as a concealable OWB holster and that is exactly what I am looking for. So I will think about it a while longer and make my mind up soon.

Another option that I already utilize are my sling bags, these are used when a holster just won’t work. 1) In the summer when a tee-shirt just does not conceal a handgun, I wear the DBTAC Tactical Sling Bag. It is small, light and easy to conceal a handgun. 2) I am not allowed to carry concealed at work so I use the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Pack as my EDC pack on a daily basis. It carrys everything that I want with me, including my handgun. This mode of carry is not the best but off-body sling bags are better than not carrying at all.

How Will I Use The SA-35?

Right now I am just excited to have the Springfield Armory SA-35 back in my gun collection. Even though it is not a Browning Hi-Power, I feel it is even a better handgun and more accurate too. Once I put some rounds through it and feel confident of its reliability, it will probably become one of my concealed carry handguns. I need to shoot at least 500 rounds through it without any malfunctions before I will feel confident of its use. But until that time it will make a great range gun.

Final Comments

The Springfield Armory SA-35 Hi-Power is an awesome 9mm handgun. When it was first produced it had some issues that needed to be tweaked but the folks at Springfield Armory went to work to correct these issues and now they are a good shooting handgun. I love the fact that these handguns are made in the USA and that this company took the time to make such a close copy and then make the improvements to this gun that the original Browning Hi-Power was lacking. All in all it is a great 9mm handgun, it feels really good in my hand and shoots very good also. The one thing I did not mention was that this handgun is an all steel handgun and therefore will be a fair bit heavier then many of the polymer handguns on the market today. So that means it will be heavier to carry but the extra weight will help to make it more accurate because you will not feel the recoil as much so it will help to stay on target on follow-up shots. This is a great handgun and I am glad to have it back in my gun safe.

If you have any questions about this post or anything related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

All the best,

Larry

Founder of EDC Essentials

September 5, 2025September 11, 2025

KIZER MINI HARPOON FIXED BLADE KNIFE

Product Review

Very Nice Mini Knife

Product: Kizer Mini Harpoon Fixed Blade Knife

Price: $50.99

Durability: Very High

Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

My Overall Rating: 9.0

Quick Product Overview:

This Kiser Mini Harpoon Fixed blade Knife is made from 3V steel with Gray Stonewashed, Kizer Mini Harpoon fixed blade knife offers heightened resistance to scratches and signs of wear and tear. It is perfect for the person that needs a everyday carry knife. The handle is made of micarta, offering a combination of durability and lightweight properties. Camping fixed-blade knife with micarta handle provides both a stylish appearance and a secure grip. This fixed blade knife has an excellent Kydex sheath to enhance the knife’s texture and quality. This knife has meticulous attention to detail is evident in the texture design on the handle, which offers excellent grip and tactile feedback. Whether for adventure, work, defense or survival, Kizer Mini Harpoon fixed blade knives are up to the task of everyday life.

Specifications Of This Product:

- Model: Harpoon Mini
- Model Number: 1040S5
- Overall Length: 6.49″/164.9mm
- Blade Length: 3″/76.2mm
- Blade Thickness: 0.12″/3mm
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Material: 3V
- Handle Length: 3.49″/88.7mm
- Handle Material: PEI
- Pocket Clip: Deep Carry Reversible
- Weight: 2.1oz./59.5g
- Color: Yellow
- Hardness: 61-62.5

What I Like About This Product:

The quality of this knife seems to be very good. It is easy to sharpen and holds an edge very good. This knife fells good in your hand and it has good balance. The price and the design is very good and it was pretty darn sharp right out of the box..

What I Would Change About This Product:

Nothing yet

Final Remarks:

The Kiser Mini Harpoon Fixed Blade Knife is really a nice little knife, you can wear it on your belt or around your neck as a neck knife. The quality of this knife is excellent and it appears to be built to last. If you like this mini knife from Kiser, they also make a big brother of the same design. Check these two knives out, you might like them.

Go To EDC Fixed Blade Knives

If you have any questions about this product review or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

Thanks,

Larry

Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

September 1, 2025September 24, 2025

Installing The Extended Slide Lock In A Glock 19, Gen 5.

Back on 02/21/2022 I posted an article called Upgrades To My Glock Handguns, where I talked about a few upgrades that I did to my three Glock handguns; Models 20, 26, and 30. Out of all those upgrades, one of them stands out the most to me and that was the Extended Slide Stop. So when I purchased another Glock, that upgrade was first on my list to get completed. I love my Glocks, I really like the feel of them in my hand and the way they work and the fact that they shoot everytime that you pull the trigger. But I do get a little frustrated when I need to field-strip these handguns, so let’s discuss this installation.

Why Do You Need To Upgrade To This Part?

As I mentioned, Glocks are great handguns – some people like them and others do not. And that’s OK! Some people think they are ugly! Some people think they feel like a 2 x 4 in your hand! And some people really like them! I am in the last group.

OK so you know that I like Glocks and I have four of them. Even though they are my favorite handguns, there is one thing that is always a pain about a Glock and that is removing the slide from the frame on the pistol, the takedown lever (right top picture – white and red arrow) was really hard to keep ahold of, while you hold the slide back to a certain place. So you would usually try a couple of times before you could do it. Then came the extended slide stop and that made all the difference in field stripping your Glock. It only stuck out a tiny bit more than the original and the edges were serrated a bit more and that made holding that lever down so much easier.

What Parts Will You Need To Purchase?

When I need parts for my Glocks I go to the Glock Store (https://www.glockstore.com) in California, they have about everything you could think of for your Glocks in the way of parts and accessories. Plus their service is excellent. I ordered this part and about a week later it came in the mail to my residence. This is the part as I got it from the Glock Store, so lets move on with the procedure.

What Tools Do You Need?

This is a very easy installation as compared to other parts on a Glock, there for very few tools are needed.

Required tools:

Bench Block or tape roll
Punch
3/32 Punch
Some Patients

What Is The Procedure To Install This Part?

This is a very easy installation as compared to other parts on the Glock. Here is a video that the owner of the Glock Store has put together that also might be helpful. His method is a little more involved then mine but it does get the part installed.

Summary of Installation Procedures:

1. Remove the magazine from the handgun, make certain the magazine is unloaded and place it in a safe place. Remove the barrel from the frame and place it in a safe place.
2. Removing the slide lock-
3. Place the frame of the gun over the bench block, right side down on the block.
4. Wiggle the slide stop as you push the punch on the trigger pin to push the pin out.
5. Take the 3/32 punch and push the trigger housing pin out to remove the pin.
6. Take a punch and remove the locking block by pulling it up and out of the frame.
7. Then remove the slide stop by lifting it out.
8. Then remove the trigger mechanism from the frame by pulling it out.
9. With a punch, push down on the small spring under the slide lock, keeping you finger over the spring and pull the slide lock out, making sure not to loose the spring.
10. Installing the extended slide lock–
11. Make sure that the small spring is in the recessed hole
12. Slide the Extended Slide Lock in the slot with the smooth side facing forward.
13. Push the spring down with the punch so that you can get the tip of the bar over the top, keep your finger over the top of the spring so that it does not fly off.
14. Keep tension on the spring and slide the extended slide lock into place.
15. Drop the trigger mechanism into place, put the front piece in place first and then the rear piece and push down on the rear piece and make sure the holes line up.
16. Drop the slide stop in place and push down, make sure holes line up.
17. Drop the locking block over the top and press down, making sure the holes line up.
18. While holding everything together, push the trigger housing pin (from right to left) and use a nylon hammer to push it in all the way.
19. Get a punch and push it in the trigger pin hole to make sure it all lines up. Then push the trigger pin in the hole and use a nylon hammer to push the pin in most of the way.
20. With a punch, push it in the rest of the way until you hear a “click” sound.
21. Check to see if you have some spring pressure on the slide stop and also on the slide lock.
22. Then put the barrel back on the frame and make sure everything operates correctly.

Final Remarks

This was a fairly easy install, one that you can do yourself without a gunsmith. I would not recommend installing aftermarket parts unless it was a procedure that was easy to do. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through an installation and then realizing that this procedure was above your pay grade and you need help to complete it. But what a difference it makes adding the Extended Slide Lock when you take down your Glock. I did it on my Glock 20, 26 and 30 and it really worked easy. Those three handguns are all generation 3 and the procedure is different then on a generation 5, like my Glock 19. So that is why I did a separate article for this one. The outcome is the same but the procedures are a bit different. As I mentioned, I am not one of those guys that looks for all the new gadgets to add to my handguns, but this one is a definite “must” in my book. I hope this helped you and if you have more questions just leave me a comment and I will send you an answer.

If you have any questions about this post or anything related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

All the best,

Larry

Founder of EDC Essentials

August 28, 2025September 10, 2025

RANCH HANDMADE CARDINAL BUSHCRAFT KNIFE

Product Review

Love This Fixed Blade

Product: Ranch Cardinal Bushcraft Knife

Price: $100.00

Durability: High

Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

My Overall Rating: 9.0

Quick Product Overview:

Ranch Knives are a family owned business that has been selling knives to ranchers and hunters for over 10 years. They believe in quality beyond expectations and exceptional customer care. This is their handmade Cardinal Bushcraft Damascus Steel Knife with Indian Rosewood Micarta Handles and Dual Carry Horizontal and Vertical Loops Leather Sheath. This knife is an elegant design with powerful performance. The blade is full tang, hammer forged 240 layers carbon steel from 5160 spring steel and 4340 chromium molybdenum alloy steel.

Specifications Of This Product:

Blade Length	4″
Overall Length	8″
Blade Thickness	5/32″
Blade Steel	Damascus Steel
Bolster / Guard	None
Handle	Indian Rosewood w/ Fiber Liner
Sheath	Cowhide – Vertical Belt Loop

What I Like About This Product:

This Ranch Knife appears to be very high quality. The first thing that I noticed right out of the box was this knife is razor sharp – GEEZ. It fits in your hand very well and the size of this knife is really good for all around work, The sheath is made of nice quality leather and you are able to wear it either vertical or horizontal.

What I Would Change About This Product:

Nothing right now

Final Remarks:

This Ranch Handmade Cardinal Bushcraft Knife is a great knife. It comes in Rosewood Micarta or cattle bone handles and the knife blade is really nice Damascus steel, that is extremely sharp. The sheath is very nice quality leather and can be carried either vertical or horizontal. If you need a godd knife you might check this one out.

If you are interested in this product, click here. If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Fixed Blade Knife page, Thanks for reading this product review.

Go To EDC Fixed Blade Knives.

If you have any questions about this product review or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

Thanks,

Larry

Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

August 22, 2025September 10, 2025

A New Addition To My Concealed Carry Handguns

One of the most popular Glock handguns on the market has been the Glock 19. This is due to the reliability, design, size, simplicity, accuracy and capacity of this handgun. But it is not the most popular with everybody, so let’s move on in to this subject and see what you will think. We will talk about the good, bad about this handgun and then get to some specifics and hopefully you can make up your own mind.

Why Buy A Glock 19, Gen 5 Handgun?

The GLOCK 19 Gen5 pistol in 9mm Luger is ideal for a more versatile role due to its reduced dimensions. The new frame design without finger grooves still allows to instantly customize its grip to accommodate any hand size by mounting the different back straps.

The Glock 19 is just the right size for most shooters. It’s the right size for concealed carry and the right size for home defense. It’s a switch-hitter that can be an instant success in either category. The firearm features a 4.02-inch barrel with an overall length of 7.36 inches.

The G19 Gen 5 is as close as you can get to a one-size-fits-all handgun. This pistol delivers on every front, from concealed carry to home defense, hitting the range, and wearing a badge. It’s compact enough for everyday carry yet packs 15+1 rounds of 9mm, giving you solid firepower without the bulk.

The firing pin safety and trigger spring enhancements enable the trigger housing to endure long term durability and result in a smoother trigger pull and improved trigger reset. Safe Action® System safeties disengage sequentially as the trigger is pulled and automatically reengage when the trigger is released.

Reviews by many people say that the Glock 19, Gen 5 has all been 100% reliable. They feel good in your hand, they shoot good at the range, and they conceal and carry nicely how ever you want to carry them: concealed, open carry, etc. They seem to work flawlessly with all types of ammo and people have very few negatives to say about this handgun. The Glock 19, Gen 5’s are highly recommended and that works for me!

What Are The Pros Of The Glock 19, Gen 5?

Ultimately, the Glock 19 Gen 5 is a solid choice for a reliable, accurate, and customizable pistol, lets look at the Pros:

Reliability:
Glocks are known for their dependability and have a strong track record in various conditions.
Accuracy:
The Gen 5 model features a Marksman barrel, which is known for its accuracy.
Ergonomics:
The Gen 5 features a flat front grip and no finger grooves, which can be more comfortable for some shooters.
Customization:
Glocks are highly customizable, with a wide array of aftermarket parts and accessories available.
Ease of Maintenance:
Glocks are known for their simple takedown and maintenance procedures.
Concealability:
While a double-stack pistol, the Glock 19 is still considered a compact handgun, making it suitable for concealed carry.

What Are The Cons Of The Glock 19, Gen 5?

However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks and whether they align with individual needs and preferences:

Trigger:
Some say the Gen 5 trigger is stiff, which can affect accuracy, particularly for new shooters.
Grip Texture:
The aggressive texture on the grip may be uncomfortable for some users.
Sights:
The standard Glock sights are functional but often upgraded by users for better accuracy.
Size/Ergonomics:
The double-stack design can make it challenging for individuals with smaller hands to grip comfortably.
Cost:
While Glock is generally considered affordable, prices can vary and some users may find it more expensive than other brands.

Why Did I Buy A Glock 19, Gen 5 Handgun?

I may have said this before in a previous article but some people absolutely love Glock pistols and other simply hate them. So comments from people about Glock pistols will be all over the board. So let’s look at my reasons:

- Glock pistols are renowned for their reliability. Designed to function flawlessly in a wide range of conditions—whether exposed to water, sand, or extreme temperatures—a Glock will fire when you need it to.
- One of the great features of Glock pistols is their simple and intuitive design. With fewer parts compared to many other firearms, Glocks are easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain. This simplicity also translates into fewer malfunctions and easier troubleshooting, making them ideal for new gun owners.
- Glocks are made with a high-strength polymer frame, Glock pistols are lighter than most other handguns of comparable size. Despite their light weight, they are incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring they’ll last for decades with proper care.
- Glocks are very customizable, from trigger upgrades to optics, barrels, and grips, Glock pistols can be tailored to meet specific needs or preferences. This makes them a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy personalizing their firearms.
- Glock offers a variety of models to suit different purposes, from concealed carry and home defense to competitive shooting. With so many options, it’s easy to find a Glock that fits your specific needs.
- Despite their reputation for quality, Glock pistols are competitively priced. They offer an excellent balance between performance and cost, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers.

Do I Like The Glock 19 Stock or Tricked-out?

I am not one of those people who put all the newest aftermarket gizmos on their guns to make them the “BEST” thing since sliced bread. Such things as triggers, mainspring, Guide rods, etc. I believe in doing only the minimum of upgrades to my handguns as I think the gun was designed that way for a reason. But there is one thing that I always do to my handguns:

SIGHTS – The first thing that I look at whether it is a handgun or a rifle are the sights. Do they work? Are they reliable? Will they last? If any of those questions are NO, then I look around for something else. Since Glock handguns usually always come with plastic sights, I always upgrade them to a Night Sight that is metal. With this Glock 19 I put on a set of XS Sights – F8’s, which seem to work extremely well for me.

EXTENDED SLIDE LOCK – The other thing that I always do to my Glocks is install an Extended Slide Lock because the stock ones are a bit too short and it is difficult to disassemble your handgun with the stock unit. You can easily buy them online and they are very easy to install yourself.

Other then those two items, that is about it for modifications that I make. There are people out on the Internet that put all kinds of modifications on their guns and say it is necessary for the better performance, and that might be true. I say the gun should be shooting good the way it was from the factory otherwise maybe you bought the wrong gun.

Final Comments:

I own four Glock pistols right now, a 19, 20, 26 and 30, and they all shoot excellent. Glock pistols are renowned for their reliability. This is why they’re the go-to choice for military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. I have never had a Glock jam or stop working for any reason, they just seem to go “bang” whenever I pull the trigger. And I think that is the most important thing to me about a Glock. But I will agree that Glock pistols are not for everyone, as much as I love my Glocks, my two sons do not share the same feeling that I do about them. And that’s OK! This is why their are so many gun manufacturers on the market today, But is Glock the only handgun I carry – No! I also own a Springfield Armory 1911, a Ruger LCP Max and Taurus revolver. But it is the only brand that I have multiples of. So if you do not have a Glock pistol, you might give them a try or at least go shoot one and make up your own mind. Thanks for reading this article. See ya.

If you have any questions about this post or anything related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

All the best,

Larry

Founder of EDC Essentials

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025

FOLDING POCKET CANDLE LANTERN

Product Review

Nifty Pocket Lantern

Product: GINTBN Folding Pocket Lantern

Price: $10.99

Durability: Medium

Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

My Overall Rating: 8.5

Quick Product Overview:

This Folding Pocket Lantern can be used from outdoor camping and wilderness survival to hiking explorations and festive home decor, this multi-functional lantern adapts to your needs. Its practicality extends to emergency lighting and adding a cozy glow to your living space, showcasing its versatility and essential value. This can be carried in your pocket with our foldable pocket candle lantern. Its lightweight construction and compact folded size, akin to a palm, make it ideal for outdoor adventures, camping trips, or unexpected emergencies, ensuring you’re always prepared with a reliable light source. It is made of sturdy metal, it not only promises durability but also elegance, making it a beautiful addition to your outdoor gear or home decor. The lantern safeguards the flame against gusts, ensuring stable illumination even in harsh outdoor conditions. It also prevents wax drips, maintaining a clean and safe lighting experience. There is no need for batteries and electricity! This lantern harnesses the simplicity and charm of traditional candles, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective lighting alternative. Perfect for those who cherish the ambiance of natural light.

Specifications Of This Product:

Color	Folding Pocket Candle Lantern
Material	Stainless Steel
Brand	GINTBN
Product Dimensions	1″L x 1″W x 1″H
Finish Type	Polished

What I Like About This Product:

This folding lantern is good for emergency or occasional use, but I would not use it as an everyday lantern. It is small enough to fit in your pocket but will work in any backpack, fanny pack or other gear that you might have.

What I Would Change About This Product:

Nothing yet

Final Remarks:

This GINTBN Folding Pocket Candle Lantern speaks of quality It is made of durable metal materials that seem built to last. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket, making it convenient for hikes or camping trips. Try it and you may like it.

If you are interested in this product, click here. Thanks for reading this product review.

If you have any questions about this product review or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

Thanks,

Larry

Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025

GIRIAITUS CARABINER MULTITOOL 8 IN 1

Product Review

Handy Little Carabiner

Product: GIRIAITUS Carabiner Multitool 8 in 1

Price: $17.56

Durability: High

Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

My Overall Rating: 9.0

Quick Product Overview:

The GIRIAITUS Carabiner Multitool 8 in 1 is not just for hanging keys or bags. It’s a versatile tool featuring a pocket knife, a serrated knife, a rope cutter, a slotted screwdriver, a bottle opener, a can opener, and a ruler. This multitool is designed to withstand rigorous use, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, and more. Despite its multiple features, our multitool carabiner is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket, backpack, or survival kit. Whether you’re an avid camper, a hiker, or just someone who loves exploring the outdoors, this multitool is a must-have accessory that will come in handy in many situations. Beyond outdoor use, this multitool is also perfect for everyday use. Use it to open packages, bottles, or cans, fix small items, measure things with the ruler, and more.

Specifications Of This Product:

Brand Name	GIRIAITUS
Included Components	Pocket Knife, Serrated Knife, Rope Cutter, Screwdriver, Bottle Opener, Can Opener, Ruler
Model Number	8en1
UPC	760627335281
Manufacturer	GIRIAITUS


ASIN	B0CLKMH911
Unit Count	1.0 Count

Item Weight	21 Grams
Folded Size	[Estimated] Compact folded size

Color	Grey
Material Type	Aluminum or Metal Alloy

What I Like About This Product:

This Multitool comes with 4 tools that can be used, similar to a small Swiss Army Knife. It has a serrated knife, rope cutter, screwdriver, can bottle opener, and a ruler. The knife is very sharp although it is shorter than most other pocket knives. The knife locks open and will close when you use your thumbnail to push in a very small ball bearing. It works great as a keychain.

What I Would Change About This Product:

Nothing yet.

Final Remarks:

I really like multitools, they seem to work very well as part of my EDC gear. This carabiner is very high quality and extremely sturdy, not all lose like many out there on the market. The tools that are on this carabiner are very useful and handy. I highly recommend this GIRIAITUS Carabiner Multitool, you might try this one out for size, it may surprise you.

If you are interested in this product, click here. If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Multi-tool page, Thanks for reading this product review.

Go To EDC Multi-tool.

If you have any questions about this product review or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

Thanks,

Larry

Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

August 10, 2025August 11, 2025

RANCH “DAMASCUS BLADE” EDC KNIFE

Product Review

Nice Horizontal Knife Setup

Product: Ranch “Damascus Blade” EDC Knife

Price: $70.00

Durability: High

Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

My Overall Rating: 9.0

Quick Product Overview:

- Blade Steel: Hammer Forged 240 Layers Carbon Steel Damascus made from 5160 spring steel and 4340 chromium molybdenum alloy
- Handle: Stabilized Indian Rosewood with Micarta Fiber liner
- Sheath: Vegetable Tanned Cowhide – Horizontal/cross-draw/Cowboy-style. Snug fit!

Specifications Of This Product:

Overall length: 6″

Blade length: 3″

Blade thickness: 1/8″

Special Features	Lanyard Hole, Jimping on Spine, Handmade
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Blade Shape	Drop Point
Blade Edge	Hollow
Is Product Cordless	Yes
Reusability	Reusable

What I Like About This Product:

This Ranch Knife appears to be very high quality, it was razor sharp right out of the box, and is easy to carry in the horizontal position. I like positioning it in the small of the back location. The knife fits snugly in its sheath and offers good protection. This knife seems to be very durable, and the edge appears to hold up well. All in all this knife seems to be a good value.

What I Would Change About This Product:

Nothing yet

Final Remarks:

The RANCH ” Damascus Blade” EDC Knife is really a nice fixed blade knife. The razor-sharp blade along with the nice leather sheath makes this a really nice package for your belt. This is not a cheap knife but is not as expensive as many knives on the market these days and I think you get a lot for your money with this knife. The horizontal carry sheath takes a bit to get used to it but it is pretty nice once you get used to it. I like the dark brown handle with the dark brown sheath, its a great combination. Some people like the Damascus steel for their blades and others do not. If the Damascus Steel does “trip your trigger” then by all means check this knife out, you will not be sorry.

Go To EDC Fixed Blade Knives.

If you have any questions about this product review or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC)/Concealed Carry, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

Thanks,

Larry

Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials