Backup weapons
As we grow in our skills, we are more than likely to think about changing the firearms we carry. I can’t tell you the number of times I hung out with a gun owner that looked like they could carry a full size 1911 in there front pocket, but choose to carry a J-frame instead. Well, now that I’ve been carrying a firearm for close to 20yrs, I’ve really started to feel the weight especially when I was working overtime and carrying 10 and 12hrs days. You really start to feel it at some point, the difference between 1lb and 3lbs of gun. I guess there is almost a predictable learning curve when it comes to carrying guns.
I also know that many people choose to carry a secondary weapon. Walking in and out of Police buildings, I see guys that do investigations carrying 2 or 3 guns. Sometimes certain environments are prone to very restrictive movements and sometimes having a gun in an ankle holster or shoulder holster along with your primary sidearm can mean the difference if there is a close quarters struggle. That’s more common in the LEO world than in the civillian, but carrying a knife or mace is really my choose for CCW backup. Take the Kimber Guardian Angel, this handy weapon lasts twice as long as bottle pepper spray, is easier to aim, and easy to put in a pocket. The Elite Operator Tactical shorts in style 301 or style 302 can easily fit one of these in the front pockets that are outside of the hand pockets, this is a great thing to have when considering using non-lethal or less-lethal options when deadly force is not called for.
When a CCW carrier is carrying a firearm in the winter, we can understand why they may want a firearm in a pocket outside of their body, but I recommend putting some thought into how you wear your clothing and how a firearm can be reached in when wearing heavy clothing. Jackets that hold firearms will have to come off if you’re in a house or building that gets hot, so then what do you do with your gun? The Eotac Style 102 CCW Vest is cut very long and is great for concealing in warm weather, but not a firearm retention vest.