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How Do You Paint Your Sights

I bought some new front sights from Skinner Sights for two of my rifles, they come completely black and I wanted to paint part of them white so I thought this would be a good subject for another article. If you need some new sights for your firearms be sure to check them out Skinner Sights, they are an awesome company and their customer service is the best in the business, their website is skinnersights.com . Since the sights that I purchased have not been installed on my rifle, I just painted them first before I installed them, but you can do it eight way.  Although, I would not remove my sights just to paint them, keep them on your handgun or rifle.

A gun is only as good as the sights that they have on that gun. Good sights lead to a good sight picture and therefore helps you hit what you are aiming at.  While this article is mainly about painting your gun sights and improving your sight picture, there are also some other options that we will touch on here as well. But let’s get back to our topic and see just how easy it is to upgrade your handgun or rifle sights to give you that GOOD SIGHT PICTURE. 

Is Painting Your Sights Your Only Option To Upgrade Them?

Painting your sights is not your only option, but it is a good choice most of the time and it can be done . What are some of your other options for handguns or rifles?:  Fiber Optics and Night Sights are two of your main competitors when it comes to improving your sights.

Fiber optic sights offer advantages in bright to moderate lighting conditions by providing a clear, bright, and easily visible aiming point, potentially aiding in faster target acquisition and shooting. However, they rely on ambient light, making them less effective in total darkness compared to night sights that glow with tritium.

What are fiber optic sights made of?:
    • The core of the fiber optic strand is typically made of glass (often silica) or plastic (like PMMA). 
    • The core is surrounded by a cladding, a layer that reflects light back into the core, enabling efficient light propagation. 
    • The fiber optic strand absorbs ambient light and channels it to the front sight post, creating a bright and illuminated aiming point. 
    • Fiber optic sights are often available in colors like red, green, and yellow. 
    • While the fiber optic strands themselves are delicate, the sights are designed with durable housings to protect them. 
    • When light strikes the fiber optic strand at an angle less than the critical angle, it travels down the fiber without leaking out. This process, called total internal reflection, concentrates the light at the end of the fiber, resulting in a bright, illuminated sight. 

Night Sights in no way distract from acquiring the dot. However they also offer no benefit. When it’s dark enough to need the night sights your dot will be way brighter. Then when using any white light to identify a target the night sights will wash out and not be able to be seen. Night sights, designed for low-light visibility, typically utilize tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, which emits beta radiation that excites phosphor material, causing it to glow. 

What are night sights made of?:
    • Tritium is a radioactive gas encapsulated in a small, durable glass vial. 
    • The beta particles emitted by the tritium interact with a phosphor material, causing it to glow. 
    • The glow provides a self-illuminated sight picture in low-light conditions, allowing shooters to accurately aim their firearms. 
    • Tritium has a half-life of approximately 12.5 years, meaning that after that time, the sights will emit half as much light as they did when new. 
    • Tritium is a low-energy beta emitter, and the small amount used in night sights is considered safe and poses no external dose hazard. 
    • Some sights use fiber optics, which are illuminated by ambient light, rather than tritium, and can be a good option for well-lit environments. 
    • The color of the emitted light can be manipulated by using different phosphors, allowing for a range of colors, such as green, yellow, orange, or red.
       
      While these two options are very good, they are also much more expensive.  But I had to mention them so you would understand that there are other options.  So let’s get back to painting our sights. 

What Supplies Are Needed To Paint Your Sights?

I am going to look at what I normally use to paint my gun sights, but I will give you another option if you would like it. The methods are the same but the paint options are different.  I use a good quality spray paint to paint my sights but there are other options, model paint or fingernail polish works too.  I like the way spray paint flows on your serrations, model paint or fingernail polish is very thick to work with. A very easy option is to use Sight Paint Pens from Birchwood Casey that work great but they are a lot more expensive.  If you have quite a few sights to re-paint this might be an option, but for only one or two sights it is a bit high in cost.

Method #1:

    • Krylon satin white spray paint, model paint, fingernail polish
    • Cup (for spray paint)
    • Isopropyl Alcohol or Brake Cleaner
    • Q-tips or Cleaning cloth
    • Blue masking tape
    • Scissors
    • Toothpicks or small foam paint brush (not bristle-type)
    • XACTO knife-sharp blade (Optional)

Method #2:

    • Birchwood Casey Sight Pens (White, Orange & Green)

How Do You Prepare The Areas That You Want To Paint?

Preparation for both methods will be the same:

    1. Dip your Q-tips in some Isopropyl Alcohol and wipe down the sight that you are going to pain. If there are any serrations that you will be painting, make sure that you get down deep in the serrations so the paint will stick. Then let it dry completely before painting.
    2. If you decide to use Brake Cleaner, just spray on the area to be painted and wipe down the area with a Q-tip or cloth. The nice thing about this cleaner is is evaporates very quickly so you do not have to wait very long for it to dry. As I said above, if the sight has serrations, clean them very well so the paint will stick.
    3. Next use the Blue Painters Tape to mask around the area that you will be painting.  I would rather take some  extra time up front to mask the area good so  the paint will go where I want it to go rather than drip paint on the side of the sight and then have to scrape the paint off after it is dry. I like to cut the tape in strips and place them around the area to be painted, it is easier that way. (It is very important to make sure the edges of your tape are pressed well.

What Is The Proper Procedure To Paint Gun Sights?

There are two methods that I have used that get you some great results:

Method #1:

    • Clean the cup of any debris and then spray the paint inn the cup so you have a nice amount of paint to use.
    • Pick up your sight and hold it firmly so it will not slip out of your hands.
    • Place the small paint brush in your other hand and touch the brush to the paint until it is well coated. (Some people like to use a toothpick instead of a brush, it depends if you are painting dots or strips).
    • Roll the paint brush on the edge of the cup to remove the excess paint from the brush. 
    • Touch the brush to the area to be painted with little strokes to make sure all surfaces have been painted.
    • Once completed, place the sight as flat as possible so the paint does not run some place that you do not want it to.
    • Wipe the paint off of the paint brush using an absorbent paper towel so you can re-use the paint brush and not have to get a new one.
    • It will take 2-3 coats of white paint to cover a black sight.
    • Let the paint dry over night before you do another coat of paint.

Method #2:

    • The only difference is to paint using the pens rather then the toothpick you do not need the cup, spray paint or paint brush to paint the sights..

Does Letting The Paint Dry Matter?

When you are doing a procedure such as this, we become anxious and want to move on to the next step. Juse remember yes, it is very important to let your painted sights dry over night before you touch them.  If you try to take the masking tape off of the sight before it is dry. the sight may become streaked or smudged and then you will have to do it again. It is now that you will be very glad that you took the extra time to used the Blue Painters Tape around the area that you were painting.  Less mistakes!

Final Comments

This method works for both handguns and rifles and the end result is well worth the effort. It take more time to get the supplies together then I doe to paint your sights but having new bright white or whatever color that you decide to paint them, makes all the difference in the world.  So if you have a firearm with blacked-out sights or the paint is fading or falling off, now you know how to fix that problem.  It is very easy to do and it beats paying a gunsmith to do it for you.  Good luck!

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

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    Outside The Waistband (OWB) Holsters Are Becoming More Popular

    There are many types of holsters being produced these days for concealed carry. Inside the waistband (IWB), shoulder holster and outside the waistband (OWB) holsters, to name a few.  For many years OWB holsters has been limited to open carry but things are beginning to change.  

    What Is Open Carry?

    Open carry is the practice of carrying a firearm in public so that it is visible. It is usually carried in some type holster that is fastened to your belt.

    What are the open carry laws:
    • Colorado: Open carry is legal for people who are at least 18 years old and can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver county and other posted areas. 
       
    • California: Open carry of handguns is prohibited. 
       
    • Connecticut: Open carry of handguns is prohibited, effective October 1, 2023. 
       
    • District of Columbia: Open carry of handguns is prohibited. 
       
    • Florida: Open carry of handguns is prohibited. 
       
    • Illinois: Open carry of handguns is prohibited. 
       
    • New Jersey: Open carry of handguns is prohibited. 
       
    • New York: Open carry of handguns is prohibited. 

    What Is Concealed Carry?

    Concealed carry is where the firearm is carried in a concealed carry holster and hidden by clothing.
    What are some concealed carry laws:
    • Concealed carry is permitted in all 50 states. 
       
    • Many states require a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public. 
       
    • In Colorado, a resident can only carry concealed in the state using a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). 

    What About A Gun Belt?

    There are many types of gun belts out there that will work great with your handguns. A normal belt that you buy at Walmart or Target will not give you enough support to wear on a daily basis.  A handgun needs a certain amount of support when carrying it all day on your belt. There are gun belts out there that are made of leather and also many special fabrics that are very firm and secure and will go with any wardrobe that you have.  But you need to consider this option very carefully.  If you ignore this choice and try a normal belt with your handgun, you will be very disappointed and probably not enjoy your experience.

    So What About OWB Holsters?

    Since Concealed Carry is becoming more and more popular, many people are challenging the typical boundaries of concealed carry and the typical inside the waistband holster (IWB) that has been worn for so long is being challenged. IWB holsters are just not the most comfortable holsters to wear even though they are very comfortable.  Many gun holster manufacturers are beginning to look at OWB holsters as potential concealed carry holsters and are making them tighter to your hip and therefore more concealable.

    There is not a more comfortable holster out there than a good OWB holster and now that they are making them fit your belt closer, many people are considering using an OWB holster for concealed carry.

    What Do You Need To Make An OWB Holster A Concealed Carry Holster?

    OWB holsters work great for open carry and with a couple minor adjustments to your wardrobe it will turn it into a concealed carry option.  All you need to do is wear a firm belt that is designed to hold a handgun and a good cover garment and you are all set for concealed carry.  There are many gun belt makers these days, just check the Internet and you will be amazed at how many there are. But it is really important to wear a belt that can stand the weight of a firearm.

    Any type of garment that covers the OWB holster from view will work for concealed carry, a coat or jacket, sport coat, vest, untucked shirt, Baggy sweatshirt is all that you need to turn things into concealed carry. Keep in mind that you will need to keep that outer garment on, whether you are inside or outside so it is important to consider your options.

    My advice is to wear a light vest or untucked shirt as your inner garment and then put a jacket or coat over the top.  That way when you come inside you can take the heavier garment off and leave the lighter garments on to cover your handgun.  But you must realize that your cover garment must be long enough to cover the barrel of your handgun, even if you are reaching up to grab something high-up.  As you reeach up your outer garment is pulled up higher and can expose the bottom of your holster. So you must keep that in mind when you are choosing the clothes that you wear when you are wearing a handgun. 

    What OWB Holster Do I Wear?

    Those of you that are familiar with my website should already know the answer to this question. My favorite OWB holster is the Belt Aholster made by the Aholster Company, in Telford, Tennessee, Alan does an excellent job and I really like his holsters. These holsters are made from Kydex and that is my favorite holster material.

    Kydex is an extremely durable acrylic/PVC alloy, created and distributed from the Kleerdex Corporation.  Kydex is extruded in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, thickness, and grades to optimize long-term performance, appearance, and cost-effectiveness. No other thermoplastic stands up to impact, scratches, and gouging like Kydex. It offers notched Izod Impact resistance to 18 ft. lbs./in. (953 J/m) and is able to withstand various levels of abuse. Due to its high degree of toughness and resilience, Kydex can also be stretched at room temperature to twice its original dimension without breaking.

    The material strength of Kydex allows for greater strength with a fraction of the thickness associated with leather concealment holsters. A thinner holster significantly decreases printing.

    Your holster will fit the same every time.  Whether it is your first draw or your 1000th draw.  This means that there are few; if any, adjustments needed to start carrying your holster and firearm.

    Kydex holsters can be worn in the rain and do not swell or contract due to sweat, humidity, or extreme weather.  In fact, Kydex will help keep the moisture produced by sweating from coming into contact with your firearm because Kydex will not absorb moisture, unlike most conventional holsters.

    I like the way these holsters fit your body CLOSE, which makes them a better choice for concealed carry. You can see the way they are shaped that they will attach very close to your body. They snap right on your belt with two rubber straps which holds the holster and gun very securely. And you can also remove this setup quickly and easily when you need to. All you need to do is add a good cover garment and you are all set for concealed carry.  

    Final Comments

    OWB holsters are a very versatile and they are also very comfortable to wear.  As stated earlier, many people wear these as open carry holsters and they are excellent for this style of carry.  But people are beginning to also wear these OWB holsters for concealed carry as well.  Holster manufacturers are making OWB holsters fit very close to the body therefore they can be worn as concealed carry holsters and with the right gun belt and cover garment, concealed carry works great.  My only style of concealed carry has been IWB holsters for many many years but lately I have even crossed the line to OWB holsters.  They are extremely comfortable and with the right gun belt you do not even know you are carrying a handgun. So if you are new to concealed carry or just looking for a different way to carry your handgun, 

    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

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      Reloading Ammunition, Is It Worth The Time?

      I used to reload my handgun ammo; 9 mm, 45 ACP and 44 mag, it was fun, relaxing and rewarding. It was also about 20 years ago and prices of ammo were a lot cheaper then they are right now. Then came COVID and ammo prices went through the roof and they really have not come back down to reasonable prices yet! So what do we do now?  Pay the high prices or do we think about reloading? Luckily, I still have all my reloading equipment and most of it is useable today.  It is not a big fancy progressive press, like the blue Dillon press in the upper picture, that will turn out lots of bullets in a short period of time.  It is just a single stage press, Rock Chucker made by RCBS, thats in the bottom picture, but it will work for either handgun or rifle ammo and that’s what I need. Lets look a bit closer at this topic and let you make a decision.

      What is Reloading Bullets?

      The process of reloading bullets means to manually assemble ammunition by taking a previously fired cartridge case, and reusing it by adding new components like a primer, gunpowder, and a bullet to create a fully functional round of ammunition, essentially making your own ammo instead of buying factory-loaded rounds; also known as “handloading” in some contexts. 
       
      What are some of the key points about reloading bullets:
      • Components of reloading:
        To reload bullets , you need a spent casing, a new primer, a measured amount of gunpowder, and a new bullet. 
         
      • The Process:
        The reloading process typically involves resizing the case, removing the old primer, adding new components, and seating the bullet properly. 
         
      • The Benefits:
        Reloading can be more cost-effective, allows for customization of ammunition based on your specific needs, and can potentially improve shooting accuracy. 

      Who Can Reload Bullets? 

      Anyone can reload bullets for personal use, but those who sell or distribute reloads for profit need a federal firearms license (FFL). 

       
      Personal use:
      • Reloading bullets for personal use is legal in most cases
      • It’s a hobby that allows you to customize ammunition for your firearm
      • You can save money by reloading your own ammunition 
       
      Selling or distributing reloads:
      • You need an FFL from the ATF to sell or distribute reloads for profit
      • You also need an FFL to manufacture or import ammunition
       
       

      What Equipment Do You Need To Reload Ammo?

      If you desire to get started reloading bullets it is necessary to get certain equipment:

      1. An Up-to-date Loading Manual
      2. A Reloading press (Single stage or progressive press)
      3. Shell holder 
      4. Reloading die set of appropriate caliber
      5. Case lubricant & pad*
      6. Priming unit
      7. Primer tray
      8. Powder scale (graduated in grains avoirdupois)
      9. Powder trickler
      10. Powder funnel
      11. Two reloading blocks
      12. Dial indicating caliper  (graduated in 0.001” increments)
      13. Case trimmer with pilot
      14. Deburring tool

      How Do You Reload Bullets?

      What is the reloading process?
      1. You need some reloading equipment which was detailed in the section above.
      2. You need reloading components: primers, powder, bullets, and brass to reload ammunition
      3. Once the press and other equipment is setup for the caliber that you are reloading, You assemble the ammunition using previously fired cartridge cases at the specifications in your reloading manual.
      4. Part of the fun with reloading is experimenting to make the perfect load for your firearm, that includes adjusting the amount of powder and bullet depth to find the right combination
      5. You can customize the load for your specific firearm, purpose, and preferences. But it is important not to exceed the maximum powder that is suggested in your manual.

      What Ammo Can You Reload?

      Basically, any centerfire bullets can be reloaded, but rimfire cartridges cannot. A centerfire cartridge is a type of ammunition that has a primer in the middle of the base of the cartridge casing. Centerfire cartridges are used in handgun, shotgun and rifles.

      Some examples of centerfire – 9mm Parabellum, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP, 5.56×45 NATO/.223 Remington, .30-30 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7.62×51/.308 Winchester

      A rimfire cartridge is a type of ammunition where the primer is located in a rim around the base of the cartridge case. When fired, the firing pin strikes the rim, igniting the primer and propellant.

      Some examples of rimfire cartridges – .17 Hornady Mach 2 (.17 HM2), .17 PMC/Aguila (.17 High Standard), .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM), .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR), .22 Short, .22Long, . 22 Long Rifle (LR), . 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) 

      Can You Save Money By Reloading?

      With the current cost of ammunition, some shooters may be considering handloading to save money. While it’s true that reloaded ammunition can cost less than factory ammunition, the thought that you’ll save money may not be true.

      At the present time, 1,000 rounds of cheap 9mm FMJ ammunition will cost you about 36 cents per bullet to purchase. That works out to $18.00 per box of 50 or $36.00 per  box of 100, up to $360.00 for a box of 1000. If we assume that you already have 1,000 – 9mm pre-shot cases, the rest of the components (bullets, powder, and primers) to reload 1000 bullets would cost you about $295.00. That means you will save about $65.  Now if you are reloading rifle bullets, the components are a little more expensive, but you can also save a little more money. Again, if you already have the brass casings to reload 1000 rounds of .223 Remington FMJ ammo, the other components will cost you about $320.00. Now if you compare that to the least expensive factory ammo, you will save about $180.00.

      Now the last thing to consider is your time. Our time is really pretty valuable, but each persons time is a personal decision. What is the value of your time? With some practice, you can put out about 300 rounds per hour using a progressive press. If you’re using a single-stage press, like me,  you might load as many as 100 rounds per hour on a good day. So that means it’s going to take you somewhere between 4 and 10 hours to load a thousand rounds. 

      So to sum this up,  if you have to buy brass and you put a significant value on your time, then there is a good chance that you will  lose money by reloading your bullets. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Reloading takes time, but we usually find the process to be very enjoyable. There’s a lot of satisfaction in creating the best ammo for your guns that is reliable and accurate. 

      Final Comments

      So what did we find out? Depending on your equipment and reloading expertise will determine whether you save money by reloading your bullets. Plus, the quality of today’s ammunition is so good that you can almost certainly find a factory load that performs well in your gun. But even though reloading may not be a money saver, you can most likely come up with a handload that performs even better in your firearm.

      So with those things in mind, reloading bullets is something that most of us would be willing to spend money on. But if you are a perfectionist-type, this might become an addiction that can come with dialing in the perfect round. I am not saying everyone that reloads becomes addicted, but it can happen depending on the type of person that you are. This is not a warning but just a comment of what may start out as a way to save money can become a great hobby of hobbies. I would not consider myself an addict about reloading, it is just something that I enjoy doing, it is very fun to reload bullets and also very relaxing at the same time. But it is also something you need to concentrate on so you do it correctly.  

      So if reloading seems like something you might enjoy then start watching for someone who is selling out their reloading equipment.  Or check around at different gun stores to see if they have any used equipment, that is how I got started.  If that does not work then watch for sales on reloading equipment and then start collecting stuff a little at a time.  If you have any question then write a comment.  Happy Reloading!

      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

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        Is There a Difference Between “Urban” and “Rural” EDC Gear?

        Initially, I would say EDC is EDC no matter what you carry.  But if you look at it a bit closer, there might be a difference.  Remember EDC is just the gear that you carry with you on a daily basis and that can be different depending on what you are doing and where you live.  Let’s look a bit closer.

        What Is Urban EDC?

        So what might you consider to be “Urban” EDC? My take on it would be that Urban EDC is what you may use when you are living in the city, let’s make a general list:

        • Backpack
        • Cell phone
        • Phone charger
        • Portable power bank
        • Wrist watch
        • Key organizer
        • Wallet
        • Water bottle
        • Pepper Spray
        • Emergency whistle
        • Folding knife (small)
        • Hand sanitizer
        • SD Card storage and reader
        • Ear buds or Headphones
        • Tech kit organizer
        • Tactical Pens/pencils
        • Camera
        • Gym attire
        • Laptop or tablet
        • Bluetooth tracker
        • Pry bar or mini crowbar
        • Self defense tools
        • Small handgun/holster/ammo (possibly)

        What Is Rural EDC?

        Then what would you consider to be “Rural” EDC? My thoughts would be things associated with country-life.  People that live in rural parts of the United States and not usually a big city.  I did a quick Google search on rural EDC and they all the items were related to camping, hiking, etc. That is not what I am considering when I think of rural EDC. Here is an example – I live in Northern Colorado in a small town of 2365 people.  My EDC is similar to the urban but there are definitely some difference. Let’s explore:

        • Backpack 
        • Cell phone
        • Keys
        • Wallet
        • Water bottle
        • Folding knife (large)
        • Fixed blade knife
        • Portable knife sharpener
        • Multi tool
        • Pens/pencils/note pad
        • Handgun/holster
        • Ammo carrier
        • Fire starting kit
        • Flashlight
        • Solar battery pack

        Is There A Difference?

        It appears that the “Urban” EDC is a bit more techy, with such things as SD card readers, tech kit organizer, camera, ear buds or headphones, laptop or tablet, etc. Rural EDC is a bit more down to earth, less techy, but the majority of things are very similar. The big difference to me is that “rural” EDC would definately contain a firearm/holster & ammo carrier, where as urban EDC might contain a small handgun, if it is possible to get your concealed carry permit, but that is my choice.

        Final Comments

        As we wrap-up this article, let’s back up and look at the big picture. What does it all mean?  Is there really urban and rural EDC gear? Or is that just something a writers talks about?

        Yes, I think there is urban and rural EDC! I think there are some definite differences in EDC needs for the city and then for rural America.  People that live in those areas may have different needs and that would dictate different EDC gear that they use every day.

        Afterall, what is the definition of EDC according to Larry? “EDC is just the gear that you carry with you on a daily basis”.  And depending on what you are doing that day may change your EDC for that day as well.  So I hope you all have a great day and stay safe in your daily endeavors.  

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

        All the best,

        Larry

        Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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          Why Do People Get Their Concealed Carry Handgun Permit And Then Not Carry A Handgun?

          Is this a common practice among Concealed Carry Handgun Permit holders? Or is it just a few Concealed Carry Handgun Permit holders that choose to not carry their weapon? Why would you jump through all the hoops necessary to get your Concealed Carry Handgun Permit and then not use it? I have done some research about this topic, is it true? Let’s explore this topic!

          What Does It Take To Get A Concealed Carry Handgun Permit?

          If we want to look at the requirements necessary to obtain a concealed carry handgun permit, we need to understand that it can vary from state to state on how to obtain a concealed carry handgun permit. The information that I am providing comes from the state of Colorado, where I live other states may be different.

          Colorado does not prohibit a person from carrying a concealed handgun in public if the person has a permit.

          Colorado law generally requires a sheriff to issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun if an applicant meets certain qualifications. Colorado provides sheriffs some discretion in issuing or denying such licenses, however. The sheriff may deny the permit if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to himself, herself or others if the applicant receives a permit.

          The Sheriff Shall Issue A Permit To An Applicant Who:

          • Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado;
          • Is age 21 or older;
          • Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant state or federal law;
          • Has not been convicted of perjury under state law, in relation to information provided or deliberately omitted on a concealed handgun permit application;
          • Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that the applicant’s normal faculties are impaired;5– endnote
          • Is not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance as defined under state law;
          • Is not subject to a: 1) protection order issued under state law and in effect at the time the application is submitted; 2) permanent protection order issued pursuant to state law; or 3) temporary protection order issued pursuant to state law that is in effect at the time the application is submitted;
          • Has not has been convicted of certain specified violent misdemeanors within the five years prior to applying for a permit, including assault, child abuse, harassment, violation of a protective order, hate-crimes, possession of an illegal weapon, etc. 
          • Demonstrates competence with a handgun by one of several statutorily-authorized methods (for details, see the Firearm Safety Training subsection below).

          A sheriff may also issue a “temporary emergency permit to carry a concealed handgun” to an individual whom the sheriff has reason to believe may be in immediate danger. The criteria to obtain the permit are similar to those of the non-emergency permit, except that no evidence of competence with a handgun is required and the applicant need only be age 18 or older. The emergency permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and may be renewed only once. However, if the permittee is less than 21 years of age, the sheriff can renew the permit until the permittee reaches 21 years of age. 

          Applicants for a Colorado permit to carry a concealed handgun must demonstrate competence with a handgun by submitting evidence of completion of one of the following:

          • Evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions or current military service or current certification as a peace officer;
          • Evidence that, at the time the application is submitted, the applicant is a verified instructor; Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. armed forces within the three years preceding submittal of the application;
          • Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. armed forces that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the 10 years preceding submittal of the application;
          • A certificate showing retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the 10 years preceding submittal of the application; or
          • A training certificate from a handgun training class obtained within the 1 year preceding submittal of the application. The applicant shall submit the original training certificate that includes the printed name and original signature of the class instructor. So long as the class complies with all legal requirements, the applicant shall have discretion in selecting which concealed handgun training class to complete.

          “Concealed Handgun Training Class” Means:

          • A law enforcement training firearms safety course;
          • A firearms safety course taught by a verified instructor and offered by a law enforcement agency; an institution of higher education; or a public or private institution, organization, or firearms training school, that is open to the general public and is taught by a verified instructor.

          Training must be held in person and no part may be conducted over the internet. The class must provide a minimum of eight hours of instruction, including live-fire shooting exercises. The course must also include instruction on:

          • Safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition;
          • Safe firearms shooting fundamentals;
          • Federal and state laws pertaining to lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use and possession of firearms, including instruction on extreme risk protection orders;
          • State law regarding the use of deadly force for self-defense; 
          • Best practices to ensure safe interaction with law enforcement responding to an emergency;
          • Techniques for avoiding criminal attacks and managing violent confrontations and conflict resolution;

          A Colorado permit to carry a concealed handgun is valid for five years. To renew a permit, the permittee must submit an application which requires the same information required for the original permit, including fingerprints.

          Beginning in 2024, applicants seeking to renew their permit by demonstrating competence via a training certificate from a concealed handgun training class can take a “refresher” class. Refresher classes have the same training and testing requirements as necessary to receive an initial permit to carry under this method, but require only two hours of in-person instruction as opposed to eight.

          After six months from its expiration date, a permit is considered permanently expired and cannot be renewed. Persons whose permits are permanently expired must reapply for a permit.

          If you are looking to obtain a New CHP Application, the fee will be $52.50. 

          This includes:

               CCIC Fingerprint check – $17.50

               InstaCheck – $13.00

               FBI Fingerprint check – $22.00

               Total – $52.00

               Statute: 18-12-205(2)(b)

          All fees must be submitted to the issuing sheriff’s department in the form of a cashier’s check or money order made payable to CBI. Sheriff’s departments may charge an administrative fee in addition to fees charged by the CBI.

          If you need to renew your CHP Permit, the fee will be $13.00. This includes:

               InstaCheck – $13.00

               *Total – $13.00

               *Fingerprints previously sent to CBI 

               Statute: 18-12-211

          In Colorado, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) Firearms InstaCheck Unit performs background checks for concealed weapon permit applications. The InstaCheck Unit’s goal is to promote gun safety by reviewing information that may prohibit someone from legally purchasing a firearm. 

          This includes:

                Criminal record

                Mental health holds

                Information from the CCIC, NCIC, III, NICS, and Colorado Court            System (PAS)

          The Firearm Safety Class (face to face) that is required to take before you can get your permits found online.  Locations for these classes can be found online, The price for the classes is $79.00.

          There is also an online options that you can take to fulfill the Firearm Safety Class option. this might work best for some people, I personally like the in-person style of class.

          If you pass all the above then you should be eligible to obtain your concealed carry handgun permit in 30 – 120 days.  If there are issues then it can take longer.

          What Are Some of The Benefits to Having A Concealed Carry Handgun  Permit?

          • You can legally carry a concealed firearm for Personal Protection anywhere you go, as long as your permit is recognized there.
          • Carrying a concealed handgun can be a Crime Deterrent if criminals think you might be carrying.
          • Carrying a concealed handgun gives you a Tactical Advantage over keeping your handgun in plain sight.
          • Carrying a concealed handgun often gives you more Confidence when you are going places that might be more dangerous.
          • Carrying a handgun gives you the ability to respond more quickly when trouble occurs.
          • Carrying a concealed handgun develops a greater respect for firearms.
          • Carrying a concealed handgun gives you a better understanding of the risks involved when carrying a handgun in public.
          • Understanding the importance of proper training and education before obtaining your Concealed Carry Handgun Permit.

          What Are Some Reasons Why Some People Would Not Carry A Firearm After Getting A Concealed Carry Handgun Permit?

          1. It is uncomfortable to carry a concealed handgun in a holster on a daily basis.
          2. Many people decide that they do not want to carry a big, heavy handgun everywhere that they go.
          3. It takes some time to find a really good holster that you want to carry your handgun on a daily basis so they don’t do it.
          4. In order to carry a handgun concealed, you must alter your wardrobe in order to do it correctly and people do not want to wear what it takes.
          5. If you are overweight it is not comfortable to wear a handgun concealed on a daily basis.
          6. Many people do not want to assume the responsibilities that go along with carrying a concealed handgun in public.
          7. Some individuals are not willing to become trained and learn how to handle a concealed handgun.
          8. Their employer will not let them bring a handgun to work.
          9. I just wanted to get my concealed carry Handgun permit before they say I can’t.

          Are The Above Mentioned Reasons For Not Carrying A Concealed Handgun Valid?

          I am going to address each of the points above so you will understand the reasoning behind these statements. But before I get into this topic let’s get something out on the table up-front –  In the movies people just throw a gun in their pant waistband and away they go… that is not how it is done.  If you are going to carry a handgun for any length of time it must be in a holster.  And that holster needs to be of good quality and must cover the trigger guard (trigger mechanism)so it will be safe and hold up to daily wear.  Now back to the first topic, If you are 

          1. Wearing a concealed handgun can be uncomfortable depending on the style of holster that you wear and the type of physique that you have.  I have worn a concealed carry handgun for many years and have tried many different styles of holsters.  My favorite holster for concealed carry is inside the waistband (IWB), it conceals the best, but unfortunately it is also the most uncomfortable. I also like shoulder holsters, they are more comfortable but you must wear a jacket or vest to cover it. The most comfortable holsters to wear are outside the waistband (OWB) but they are much more difficult to conceal.  Many people like the appendix holster but they do not seem to work for me.  I have a bit of a belly and I cannot get my handgun to sit correctly in that position. Usually the better concealed the holster is, the more uncomfortable it is too.  So it seems to be a tradeoff, concealability vs comfortability! Now there are many new belly band-type holsters that are much more comfortable but I myself do not like them. The bottom line is that wearing a concealed handgun can be uncomfortable and it is up to you if it is worth it or not.
          2. Going along with the above comment of “comfort” , the idea of wearing a big piece of metal on your hip, all day, does not appeal to everyone.  The unfortunate truth is that the easiest guns to shoot are full-sized handguns with longer barrels.  That being said they are also very difficult to conceal.  So people are going to smaller handguns with shorter barrels to minimize that “big bulge” on their hip.  But there is a tradeoff, as handguns get smaller, they are harder to shoot accurately and keep on target. A small micro 9mm is easy to keep on your hip but if you cannot shoot it accurately, why carry it!
          3. Choosing the right holster is critical if you want to be able to carry a handgun concealed, all day long.  There are many holsters on the market to choose from so you need to buy the holster that you like and try it out for a period of time.  Some holsters will work and others will not. This is a process that you need to go through to find the holster that works for you.  The problem here is that some people do not want to take the time to find that right holster and just quit.
          4. In order to carry concealed you need to alter your pant sizes or shirt sizes so your handgun will not print.  When you put a holster inside your waistband it is necessary to get your pants at least 2 inches bigger than normal so the holster will fit without being too tight, Also you may need to get the next size shirt up so things will fit loose and the gun will not print. You may also need to wear different cover garments (vests, jackets, over-shirts) to help cover your handgun so it will not be noticed.  Some people do not like the idea of wearing larger clothes, they like their same skin-tight jeans and shirts that they normally wear. Therefore they will not make that change and it won’t work otherwise.
          5. If you are overweight and want to carry a concealed handgun, you may need to add some additional changes to your wardrobe or holster styles so that you can carry concealed.  Some people can get frustrated and just stop trying to find a way to make that happen.
          6. I am very pro-gun and I feel it is our right to have guns in our homes and on our own property. But in the area of concealed carry handgun permits I feel it is vital that we need to apply for these permits and not be a constitutional carry state like Florida. When we are required to apply for a concealed carry handgun permit, most people have already considered the rights and responsibilities when carrying a concealed weapon in public.  Some of these responsibilities are knowing safe handling of firearms, keeping your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot, also knowing your target and what’s beyond it, legal consequences when firing a gun, we are responsible for every round that comes out of our gun until and after it stops. There are many more responsibilities that we have when carrying a concealed handgun in public, but that gives you the idea. Once we get past the glamour of carrying a handgun things really get serious.
          7. When a person is carrying a concealed handgun it is necessary to train with your weapon so you are able to hit what you are aiming at.  This means many hours at the shooting range,  conducting safety drills as well as shooting at paper targets perfecting your point of aim and trigger control.  This is another area that some people are not willing to do and decide to quit.
          8. Many people are not allowed to have firearms at their work place and this may discourage them from carrying too.
          9. Lastly there are people who got their concealed carry handgun permit just in case they decide not to allow it in the future. They do not want to use it, they just want to have it.

          Do You Agree With These Reasons?

          Whether you agree with these reasons or not they are all valid points to some people.  And I cannot tell them they are right or wrong.  What I do say is those people that really want to wear a handgun concealed will find a way to do it.  If one of these reasons apply to them, they will figure a way to make it work.  Only you can be the judge of these reasons and whether they make sense to you.  It is easy to work on the comfort issue or changing your style of clothing to fit wearing concealed.  It is much more difficult to assume the responsibilities of wearing a handgun in public or putting in the time for adequate training to make yourself proficient with handling a handgun.  Think about it!

          Final Comments

          Well there you have it, this may not be all of the reasons why people choose not to wear a concealed handgun after getting their permit but it is a good start. This is a controversary topic that people need to think about if people find themselves in this situation. 

          My hope is that every person desiring to carry a concealed handgun will think about why they really want a permit. Consider all of these situations and see if they might apply to them. Then do whatever is necessary to adjust their situation before they even try to get their permit. And lastly practice, practice, practice!  I would enjoy your comments about this subject matter.  If you have any other reasons why you might not use your permit I would be glad to hear about them.  Take care.

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

          All the best,

          Larry

          Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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            As 2024 Has Passed It’s Halfway Point, What Has Changed In My EDC?

            2024 has been a pretty good year so far!  The supply is beginning to keep up with the demand and that is a very nice change.  But with all that’s happening, the costs of all this stuff is getting higher, and it is  getting pretty darn expensive to live. The main areas that I feel it is gas and food prices and when you deduct that money from your mortgage there is not a lot left over for our fun stuff. But most people find a way to keep our hobbies, standard of living or way of life maintained. So let’s grit our teeth and march on to this change in our economy.  

            Guns And Ammo Have Freed Up

            I don’t know if you have been keeping up on the availability of guns and ammunition? Ever since COVID, there has been a shortage of both guns and ammunition and it has not been until 2024 that things have been becoming available.  That’s the good part, the bad part is prices have gone through the roof.  That being said, let’s talk about the fun stuff.  I have been in the market for a Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag 4″ barrel (picture at the upper right) ever since about 2019 and then you could find them for about $900, if you looked around.  Now they are $1200 to $1300, and that is more then I can justify. This revolver is a real beauty and has some nice style about it. A .44 Mag is one heck of a cartridge, its a great trail gun but can also work for self defense. One nice thing about .44 Mag is you can also shoot .44 Special and that is much easier to shoot. There is something about a revolver that always looks pretty cool, but that being said it is not worth $1300.00 in my book. As much as I like this handgun, it will not have a place in my gun cabinet.

            But I was able to find a good deal on a Glock 20 (10 mm) (picture lower right), Its not as pretty of a weapon as the Ruger but it is fancy enough for me. I am a “Glock Guy” and I really like these handguns, they fit my hand really well and are the most reliable guns that I own. So I am not too disappointed that this will be my trail gun instead of that fancy Redhawk .44 magnum. A 10 mm is also a great cartridge and works very well for a trail gun. Is it as powerful as the .44 Mag – Absolutely not but it also has 15 rounds available instead of only 6 in the revolver so that’s some firepower.  Instead of spending all that money on a tricked-out handgun I will just be satisfied with adding the Glock handgun to my collection and keep my expenses down in this tough year. 

            A Really Great Sling Pack

            Last  May I wrote an article about a Maxpedition “Sitka” Gearslinger Sling Pack and how much I liked this pack. Well I am still using it on a daily basis and it will not be replaced any time soon. For me it is the perfect size and holds the right amount of gear.  I tend to carry too much gear because my pack will hold it, this pack limits what I can carry and that works best for me.  There are many pockets to organize your gear and that is what I am looking for. I really like the fact that it holds a water bottle, it saves me clipping one on a strap somewhere. There are a lot of packs these days that do not hold a water bottle and that seems to frustrate me.  The other thing that is a necessity for me is it has a concealed carry pocket.  As much as I like to carry my handgun in a belt holster, my job will not allow me to carry concealed at work so I can keep a handgun in this pack and both of us are satisfied. If you are looking for a great little pack you might check this out.

            A Really Nice Pocket Knife

            A while back I mis-placed my folding knife, it was a CRKT Hi Jinx Z EDC folder, a really sweet knife.  But being out on the farm, I probably cut some baling twine and left it stuck in a hay bale somewhere.  Well I always need a knife but I did not want to spend a bunch of money so I went to Amazon and looked for something reasonable.  That’s when I saw the  Eafengrow EF911 Folding Knife, for the money it is a really great knife. It is not as smooth as the CRKT but it does work well.  The price was $24.99 and works great for an EDC folding knife. The blade shape is not traditional but it turns out to be very functional. It was very sharp right out of the box and with a touch-up on my ceramic knife stone it was extremely sharp. The belt clip works very well, it holds this knife right where I want it in my pocket. I also wrote a review on this knife too back in December 2023 and that got my attention about this folding knife in early 2024.

            The Best Gun Cleaning System

            For those of you that take care of your gear like I do, have realized through the years that if you take care of your gear, it will take care of you for many years. This little play on words is very true, if you have firearms then you understand the need to clean your guns!  This process is not always fun and depending on the method you use, it can take a while. Earlier this year I discovered the OTIS Tactical Gun Cleaning System and it has revolutionized the way I clean my guns. I wrote a review on OTIS Tactical Gun Cleaning System, 1/15/2024, and then a article, Cleaning Your Guns Using A Rod Or A Cable,  2/2/2024.  If this subject matter interests you you might check them out.

            This gun cleaning system is quick, easy and compact and it really does a great job on either rifles or handguns. Is it a change from traditional gun cleaning methods – Absolutely!  Is it better than the normal methods – Not Necessarily!  It all depends what you like to use to clean your guns. I like the fact that it is compact, but it contains about everything that you need to keep your guns clean.  If you are not too stuck on your traditional gun cleaning methods, give this a try, I bet you will not be disappointed.

            Final Comments

            Well those are the changes that I made in my EDC gear for 2024, is it everything – No, but they are the highlights of what I think is most important. Each of these items are excellent for your EDC gear. Do I use them all every day? No, not all of them.  But they are great choices to add to your EDC gear.  My favorite change was the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Pack, I use it every single day, it is the best pack that I have ever owned. It carries just enough gear for me to be comfortable and that’s what I like in a pack.

            The Glock 20, 10mm Auto is a great handgun if you are looking for a large caliber weapon.  I normally carry a Glock 30, .45 Auto or a Glock 19, 9mm for everyday carry.  The Glock 20 is my trail gun, one that I use for protection against the four-footed variety of predictors. That’s not to say you cannot use the 10mm for self defense from the human-kind. But it is a bit more powerful of a round and some may feel it “kick’s” too much for EDC.

            The Eafengrow EF911 Folding Knife is a great medium-size folding knife that works well for an EDC knife.  It is very sharp and the action is also smooth and exact, the pocket clip holds the knife right in your pocket and does not move around like some other knives.  I really like this knife.

            Lastly was the OTIS Tactical Gun Cleaning System, it is very compact, yet very complete.  Even though it is in a very small package, it does everything that it says it will. If you are looking for a different way to clean your guns that really works well, try this gun cleaning system for yourself.

            Well that about sums up my changes to my EDC for 2024. I am not the type of guy that tries every new thing that comes on the market, so my changes are minimal for the year.  Good or bad that that may be.  But let’s everyone finish out this year strong and positive.  Most of all let’s keep a very positive attitude as we go through the motions each day.  We are responsible for our own actions, so don’t let politics, our jobs or issues that come our way change our attitude into a negative one. We will talk soon!

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

            All the best,

            Larry

            Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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              Posted on

              My New Favorite EDC Pack for 2024

              I have always been a “pack” kind of guy, ever since high school.  Back then the only kind of packs were double strap packs and I would only use one strap when I carried it around and that worked OK.  As time went on they finally invented the “sling” pack and that was just what I needed. I began to look at the Maxpedition company because I liked what I saw and I thought it would work for me.  I purchased a Maxpedition Kodiac Gearslinger pack and used it for a few years.  It was an awesome pack but just a little too big for me to carry everyday. So I switched to the Vertx Dead Letter Pack in December of 2019 and that has worked for me until now. I decided to get back to my roots and get another backpack.  Since I liked the Kodiac Gearslinger so well I picked up a Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Pack since it is a little bit smaller, I felt it would work better for an EDC pack and that is what this article will be about.

              Why I Changed to Another Backpacks?

              Back a few years ago I purchased the Vertx Dead Letter Pack, this pack holds a lot of gear but you also have to purchase some additional organizers in order to let the pack hold more gear. the main reason I went with that pack was because of the concealed carry delivery system.  Vertx does a great job making it very easy to get to your pistol from a pack. The only thing about this pack was that it is more like a briefcase then a pack.  It does slip on your back and rotates around to your chest but its just not a backpack. So most of the time I found myself  carrying this pack around by the handle and not even putting it on my back.  This kind of defeated the purpose of a good handgun delivery system. So for this reason I changed to a Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Pack.

              The Layout Of This Pack

              Exterior front

              • Y-compression strap made from 1″ webbing
              • One (1) 7.5″(L) x 2″(H) loop field for patches
              • 4 rows of 2-channel PALS webbing
              • Sleeve and bungee cord retainer
              • One (1) 7.5″(L) x 5″(H) x 2″(W) zippered pouch
              • One (1) 7.5″(L) x 3″(H) internal slip pocket
              • Internal 3-channel elastic organization
              • One (1) 7.5″(L) x 8.5″(H) external horizontal zippered pocket with Button-Lock™ security strap
              • One (1) 8″(L) x 9″(H) x 2″(W) zippered pouch
              • One (1) 8.25″(L) x 5″(H) internal horizontal slip pocket
              • One (1) 7″(L) x 7.25″(H) internal horizontal slip pocket

              Exterior rear

              • One (1) 9″(L) x 17″(H) zippered compartment with internal loop field to accommodate 100oz/3L water reservoir or CCW
              • Breathable padding for comfort

              Exterior left

              • One (1) 9″(H) x 3″ diameter cord cinch pouch for 32oz/1L water bottle or radio

              Exterior right

              • Grab handle made from 1″ webbing
              • Anti-theft zipper capture system
              • D-Ring attachment point
              • 6 channels of PALS webbing

              Exterior top

              • 1.25″ integral padded grab handle

              Main interior front

              • One (1) 9″(L) x 5.5″(H) zippered mesh pocket
              • One (1) 6.5″ x 5.5″(H) zippered mesh pocket
              • One (1) 15″(L) x 7″(H) slip pocket with 8.75″(L) x 7″(H) internal loop field for CCW
              • Enclosure strap made from 1″ webbing with quick release buckle

              Main interior rear

              • One (1) 9.25″(L) x 6.75″(H) slip pocket
              • One (1) 7″(L) x 6.5″(H) slip pocket

              Straps

              • Integral 3″ ergonomic shoulder strap with 2″ quick release buckle, 6 rows of PALS webbing, and metal snap clip
              • Concealable sternum strap made from 0.75″ webbing with distress whistle buckle

              Other features

              • 3.5″(L) x 4″(H) waist pad with 2 channels of PALS webbing
              • Full clamshell opening

              Why I Like a Gearslinger-Style Backpack?

              Most backpacks need to be removed from your back in order to get the items you need from that pack.  The Gearslinger Backpacks are designed so you can sling your pack from your back around to your chest and access all the contents of your pack without taking it off.  That is a very unique design and one that I really like.  Can you remove those backpacks and access your contents – of course, but with these packs you have the option of using them both ways.

              My Frustration About This Backpack

              This backpack has many great features and I love everything about this pack except one thing, Years ago Maxpedition  made both left and right-handed versions of their backpack and it sold me on the company. This is one thing that put this company way ahead of its competitions in my mind was that they had both a right and left-handed versions  which was excellent in this right-handed world. Their packs are great and I really have liked them for many years, but when a company caters to both left and right-handed folks that went a long way with me.  Then three or four years ago they stopped making their left-handed packs and that begin to tick me off. So in that one area they are like all the other companies out there that just go for the majority, who cares about left-handed people who buy their products.  So I still like their products but they are not as high in my mind as they were when they catered to us lefties.

              Does It Hold Enough Gear?

              The Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger is a great EDC pack and it has 15L  of space for your gear.  The question is, “Does it hold enough gear for most people”?  The answer is, “That Depends”? If you are one of those fanatics that need every new gadget on the market, then probably not!  If you are an average person that likes to carry a fair amount of gear for most occasions then I say yes! The thing about gear is that the more you carry, the heavier it is.  And for me that is a determining factor.  

              I started out with the Maxpedition Kodiac Gearslinger pack (22.6L), which is the same exact pack design only bigger.  I loved that pack as well but after carrying it for about a year, I realized that it was just too heavy for an EDC pack.  It was then that I bought a Vertx Dead Letter Pack and I liked that because it was smaller.  I have a problem with my packs, if it has more room in it I will fill it up!  It’s a bad thing that I need to overcome. After a few years of wearing this pack I thought about the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Pack.  It is a carbon-copy of the Kodiac, just scaled down to 15L, and I really like it. So this pack works great for an EDC pack without the added size and with a little bit of organization it works great. But I still use the Kodiac pack as a clothes pack when I travel.

              Final Comments

              This Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Pack is an excellent EDC Pack.  The material used in this pack is extremely strong and heavy duty. The design of this pack is really nice, you can sling it from your back to your chest and get what you want without removing your pack.  I see this to be an excellent advantage when in crowded situations and you might fear someone stealing your pack.  This pack also has a way to gather all the zipper pulls and locking them down, good job Maxpedition!

              I never buy a pack anymore without CCW capabilities and this one has them.  It works pretty well in that department.  I made a zipper-pull using the Cobra weave, and put it on the zipper that I used to access my handgun.  This way there is no way I can get mixed-up in what zipper to use if I need my handgun.  Is this as good as using a holster – NO!  But it works in situations when I cannot wear a holster, like at my normal job. You just need to always be aware of when your pack is, if it is not on your person.

              So out of all the packs I have used in the last 10 years, the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger pack is by far the best! If you want a mid-sized pack with many great features, you need to try this one out. I highly recommend this pack for EDC use!

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

              All the best,

              Larry

              Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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                Does Getting Older Affect The Way We Carry Our Handguns?

                I have been carrying concealed for about 25 years and I have tried many different holsters during that time. No matter which holsters I have tried my overall favorite has been IWB.  Is it the most comfortable? No! But it seems to be the most functional.  But as I get older that comfort level seems to decrease, so what now?

                What are some of the issues that occur when you are getting older?

                I am not sure about everyone else but for me, my body seems to be wearing out.  I just turned 70 years old and issues are starting to show up.

                My first issue has been with my rotator cuff, which mean less flexibility and decreased range of motion.  This does affect what works best for me at this time in my life.  

                I also have a detached bicep – they say this is due to decreased rotator cuff function which puts more strain on my biceps. This has not affected my range of motion yet but it does affect my strength.  So I cannot do everything I used to be able to do.  This issue does not affect my carrying concealed at the present time but it may in the future.

                Arthritis is also something that may limit my ability to carry concealed. Not so much right now but as time goes on it may be a big issue. My knees and hips are affected mostly right now.  My hands, fingers, and arms do not seem to be affected yet and that’s a good thing.

                Don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those individuals that sits on the couch and watches TV all day and then goes to bed. I work a full-time job and a second part-time job, then have a small farm with cattle, goats, horses, ducks, and chickens to care for when I get home. So I am a very active guy for my age, with many things to do. But as the years go on, my body just seems to be telling me that some changes are going to be necessary. Someone said that getting old is not for sissies and I highly agree.

                How Will These Issues Affect Carrying a Handgun?

                Since it seems like the above mentioned conditions are changing slowly in my case, certain things about carrying concealed will also happen slowly. Let’s just say some concealed carry methods that were once used may not be the ones that work now. The predominant reason things change is comfort and range of motion, these issues or conditions bring about changes to your body that just makes it uncomfortable to carry a handgun in the same manner that you used to or your range of motion begins to restrict the things that you used to be able to do but cannot anymore..

                Changes to your carry methods

                As much as I have carried my handguns in IWB holsters for most of my life, I am not enjoying it as much anymore.  I find myself using my OWB holster a little more and it works very well. I love my chest holster but that does not work very well as concealed carry option.  A while back I purchased a Spectre Shoulder Holster from Gunfighters, Inc.  It seems to be easier to carry a handgun under my arm then in my waist band.  I am also enjoying using pocket carry to carry concealed. This method works great with a pocket pistol (.380 ACP) and a good Kydex pocket holster. The only thing is it does not work very well with jeans, you need to wear pants with slant pockets so you can get your hand in and out quickly.

                Changes to your potential handgun

                I have mentioned the discomfort I have been feeling with my IWB holster and my .45 ACP.  Now That I am using my OWB holster and shoulder holster more I am finding out that a lighter and smaller handgun works a little better for me these days.  So that means going from a Glock 30 (.45 ACP) to a Glock 19 (9mm)  is a logical move.  Plus pocket carry is also very workable, with the Ruger LCP Max (.380 ACP), nice choice with more firepower. Lighter weight and a smaller package does work well.

                Final Comments

                As I get older my body is going through some negative changes and that means I need to make some adjustments as I continue to carry a handgun concealed.  Changing my primary handgun to a lighter and smaller one is the best place to start.  Finding one I can shoot well and that feels great in my hand will definitely make a difference.  Making some holster changes will also make things better.  Being aware that your body changes and then adapting to those changes is something that is needed as you age.  As long as you know this stuff is coming your way you can make the necessary adjustments. 

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

                All the best,

                Larry

                Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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                  Cleaning Your Guns Using A Rod Or Cable?

                  We all know the importance of cleaning your guns, but what method is the best?  Do you do it the way your Dad or Grandfather taught you? Were you given a gun cleaning kit with your first gun and that’s what you stuck with?  Did a friend tell you which type to use? Or did you explore the Internet for the all time best method of cleaning your guns and that’s what you use?  These are all good ways to find out information but let’s explore this question then you can be the judge.

                  Rod Cleaning Systems?

                  Many people swear that the only way to clean a gun is by using a cleaning rod.  When I was young that was the only way to clean your gun so we did not question these rods. Cleaning rods do work great and now they are usually in the form of a one-piece coated rod or rods that screw together in sections to form a long cleaning rod. Whether they are one-piece or in sections they do a similar job in the end.  A one piece rod is usually Teflon coated so it does not scratch the crown or the barrel. The cleaning rods that are in sections are usually made out of brass or aluminum and will not usually scratch your barrel.  But it is a good idea to use a bore guide (protector) to protect your barrel crown when using these metal cleaning rods. You place them in the end of your barrel and then slip the cleaning rod inside the bore guide and into the barrel, this keeps the rod centered in the barrel and not scraping the barrel or crown of your gun. Cleaning rods can do a fine job as long as you are careful when using them.

                  Cable Cleaning Systems?

                  Some years ago gun cleaning cables were developed, this was something new that many people have not seen before. There are a few companies that produce these gun cleaning systems but my favorite is from OTIS Technology.  They make high quality gun cleaning kits with excellent customer service to back it up. They produce every kind of gun cleaning kits that you might want, my favorite is the OTIS Tactical Gun Cleaning kit for rifles, shotguns and handguns. It has everything you would want to clean your guns and do a very thorough job I might add.  An advantage to the cable system is that you do not have to teardown your gun so that you can clean from breech to muzzle. Because the cable is flexible you can just open up the action and put your cable end into the breech and slide it down the barrel to the muzzle. A pretty cool way to clean your gun.

                  Supplies Needed?

                  No matter if you use a rod or a cable to clean your guns, there are certain things that you will need with both systems. They both need brass jags, brass brushes, cleaning patches, scrubbing brushes, cleaning solvent and/or CLP solution, wipe down rags, and shotgun swabs if you are cleaning shotguns.

                  Many people these days use one product for cleaning, lubricating and preserving (a CLP). There are many of them on the market to choose from if you want to go that way. I use Hoppes #9 solvent for cleaning my bore and other very dirty areas, then I use Break-free CLP for lubrication and preserving. This method works very well as long as you make sure the solvent is wiped-out before you add your Break-free. There are many different cleaning product to choose from to clean your guns, this is only what I use.

                  Things To Overcome

                  My Dad taught me to clean his guns at the age of 10-years-old so naturally his way was the only way to clean them. I suppose you have heard, My way or the highway!  and in those days that was the way it was. Anyway, that method was to use his aluminum rod sections that screwed together to form a longer gun cleaning rod. This method worked and worked really well for 59 years of my life. If you were a “Cleaning Rod Guy” like I was, you would have a difficult time thinking that a cleaning cable can do as good of a job as a cleaning rod can do.  

                  So when I was introduced to OTIS Technologies Cable System in some YouTube videos, I was very skeptical. But for some reason I kept going back and watching these same videos over and over again and their methods began to make sense to me. So there was “old school” vs “new school” going through my mind and I began to see how cables might have a place in my gun cleaning world.  

                  I had two types of rifles growing up, bolt action and lever action rifles and  then one 22LR/mag revolver.  I was always told to clean a rifle from the muzzle to the breech no matter what kind of gun it was, so that worked for me.  As I got a little older I was told by my girlfriend’s father (he was a policeman) that you should always clean your guns from breech to muzzle to keep them cleaner.  So I began to change my cleaning methods from what my Dad taught me as a kid and it made sense.  But this was easy with the bolt action rifles but when I got to my lever action rifles, that was very difficult. With a bolt action rifle you can just remove the bolt and run your rod down the barrel. But a lever action rifle was a bit more tricky to remove the bolt, especially a Winchester 94, which is what I had growing up. It was necessary to take out screws and push out pins to get the bolt out, and that was more difficult. So I just cleaned them from muzzle to breech and it still worked, I just had to be more careful. Then came OTIS Technologies and I found out that I could clean my lever action rifles from the breech to the muzzle very easily. How cool was that!

                  The Cleaning Process

                  The rod gun cleaning system is the most common gun cleaning system on the market today.  And it is something that has been passed down from generation to generation. This process takes a cleaning rod, copper jags, copper cleaning brush, cleaning patches, cleaning solvent, CLP oil and a wipe down cloth for final cleaning.  1) The first thing to do is unload the rifle and make sure that it is clear before starting to clean your firearm. You must remove your magazine (if equipped) and any ammunition that may be loaded within the firearm including in internal magazines. Make sure you do a thorough visual check, and feel with your finger that there are no bullets in the chamber before you go to the next step. 2). Using a cleaning utility brush or cleaning swabs, remove any excess dirt, etc. from your firearm. Place a copper slotted jag on your cleaning rod and a cleaning patch in the slot. Apply some bore cleaning solvent to the cleaning patch, and run the patch through your barrel and let set for a couple of minutes. Next use a copper brush and run it completely through the barrel to loosen up the fouling in the barrel.. Follow up this with several dry patches to make sure your barrel is clean and dry. Use some swabs to clean hard-to-reach areas and ensure you get your barrel/chamber as clean as possible. 3). Once you’ve completely cleaned your action, bolt, receiver, and barrel, you’ll want to properly oil & lubricate the moving parts of your firearm. Look for worn metal areas on bearing surfaces such as your action, and bolt lugs. On a well-used firearm you’ll see bare metal through the finish in some places.  4). After you’ve cleaned and lubricated your firearm, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. This removes residue and oils/moisture from fingerprints that you may have missed in steps two and three. A quick wipe and polish of any wooden furniture on your rifle is also a recommendation. 5). Once everything is cleaned, and wiped down, it’s time to start reassembling your rifle. It is a good idea to carefully inspect each piece as you put it together and make sur there are no problems with the pieces.

                  The cable gun cleaning  system is an easy three-step cleaning process, it is basically similar but takes some different tools.  Before you began cleaning there are a few things that you need to do. First make sure your firearm is unloaded, remove the magazine or bullets and inspect that there are no bullets in the gun. Then inspect the firearm and look for any excess dirt or debris on the outside, if you see any, use a utility brush to clean it off. Next remove the bolt or just open the action on the firearm. 1) Place their slotted end on one end of the cable. put on one of their special round patches in the way as directed, add some bore cleaning solvent or CLP to the patch. place the opposite end of the cable into the barrel on the breech end push it through the barrel until the patch is at the end of the barrel. then draw it through the barrel, from breech to muzzle. 2) Remove slotted-end and put copper brush on the cable and draw through barrel from breech to barrel-end.  Wait for a few minutes to let the chemicals work. 3) Then put the slotted tip back on along with a clean dry patch, as directed and draw the cable through the barrel from breech to muzzle and repeat this step until the patch comes out clean.  End result is a clean gun.

                  Final Comments

                  So what are your final thoughts,  I think either way works good. Both of these gun cleaning systems will work to clean your guns, it just depends which one you like best.  If you don’t like your gun cleaning method then you won’t clean your gun and that’s not good. My favorite gun cleaning system right now is OTIS Technology cable cleaning systems.  They have so many different gun cleaning kits that you are bound to find one that works for you. But the best thing about these systems is that you can clean your gun without taking it apart. Being able to do that saves time and that means a lot these days. 

                  But there is one time that I still use my one piece, Teflon coated cleaning rod and that is if I have a new rifle.  I have adopted a set of specific procedures where you need to clean your gun a certain way before you even fire the gun and for this I only use my one piece cleaning rod.  Then I change to the OTIS System after the rifle is fired.

                  So which method is the best? Is there a clear winner? Absolutely not! I think they both have their place in the gun cleaning world. You should use whatever method feels best to you. But don’t take my word for it, check it out yourself, you will be happy that you did.

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

                  All the best,

                  Larry

                  Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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                    Would You Ever Buy A Chest Holster?

                    A chest holster was something I never thought I would buy, I never saw a need for one. All my holsters have been attached to my belt and that has worked fine for me so far.  But boy was I wrong! The chest holster is the best outdoor holster that you could ever utilize.  

                    Pros About A Chest Holster

                    The chest holster is a really good holster and here are a few reasons why:

                    • Chest holsters do not obstruct your movements,
                    • They are an ideal choice for outdoor activities such as biking, backpacking, hunting, climbing, camping, etc.
                    • They allow very quick access to your handgun
                    • They might work well for concealment, depending on your cover garment
                    • They retain your handgun very well
                    • The size adjustment work well for most sized people
                    • They are very comfortable when adjusted properly
                    • They are a good choice for large pistols and revolvers

                    Cons About Chest Holsters

                    The chest holster has a few things that you must be aware of:

                    • They may not be the most ideal holster for concealed carry
                    • Not everyone likes the way they fit
                    • They may not be the best choice for people with back or shoulder issues

                    Most Popular Chest Holsters

                    There are quite a few manufacturers that make a chest holster, here are my five favorites:

                    • Gunfighters, Inc – Kenai Chest Holster, best Kydex holster
                    • Diamond D – Guides Choice Chest Holster, most versatile chest holster
                    • Galco – Kodiak Shoulder Holster, best revolver chest holster
                    • Mans Gear Alaska – Chest Holster, Best nylon chest holster
                    • Hill People Gear – Kit Bag, Most versatile nylon chest holster

                    Which Chest Holster Did I Buy?

                    If you have read many of my posts you will know I like Kydex holsters, so why should that be any different with a chest holster.  My favorite chest holster is the one from Gunfighters, Inc, their Kenai Chest Holster.  This holster is designed to go over the top of your vest, jacket or other outer garment. so once you get it adjusted, it fits like a glove. Unlike a shoulder holster you should not  trim the excess straps to fit because depending on the season and your layers under the harness may change. The holster holds your handgun very securely and is in a position that you can get to it very easily. This is a holster that works well in most all outdoor activities, I use it when hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, 4-wheeler riding, farm chores to name a few.  

                    Final Comments

                    I really like this holster, it is very comfortable, versatile and keeps your handgun in a place that is easy to get to.  I use this holster with my Glock 30 (.45ACP) and Glock 20 (10mm), and the nice thing is all you need to do is buy a new shell for each caliber handgun, one harness will work with all the different shells. My favorite use for this holster is backpacking, You just put on this chest holster and then put on your backpack and you are ready to go. When you get to a resting place just remove your backpack and your handgun stays where it needs to be.  I always had a difficult time figuring out where to put my handgun when backpacking and then being able to get to it when you needed to or taking off your backpack and off came your handgun too. Another plus about this chest holster is that it is basically weather-proof too, unlike the leather chest holsters that are on the market.

                    If you are looking for an awesome chest holster that feels comfortable, and holds your handgun very securely check out the Kenai Chest Holster from Gunfighters, Inc. I like this Kydex chest holster and recommend it fully. 

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

                    All the best,

                    Larry

                    Founder of Everyday Carry Essentials

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