The Evolution of My EDC
Getting Started
While I had started shooting regularly in college around 2008, I started concealed carrying around 2013.
I had wanted to get my Concealed Handgun License since I turned 21, but I found the requirements to be cost prohibitive and I could not get weekends free to take the required classes in Ohio.
As soon as I had the money, and a job where I had weekends off to take a 2-day course, I got my CHL. I was about 26.
And just like that, boom, I was told I was able to carry in public.
I started off by pocket carrying my Ruger LCP (chambered in the almighty .380) in some cloth holster I got from Walmart. I remember how odd it felt knowing I was in public with a loaded firearm. Well, there was a mag in the gun but of course no round in the chamber. Safety first.
Round 2
Then I started watching YouTube videos. I saw guys who had to be ex-Green Berets/Special Forces/Navy SEALs (spoiler alert: quite a few turned out to not be) who were adamant they were the only people to get concealed carry advice from. But good news, I was in good hands as they were experts.
I have to tell you I was astounded when I saw someone could carry a Glock 19 concealed! And on top of that, with their heads tucked low and arms extended all the way out, they controlled recoil so well that they shot their 9mm Glocks like they were .22s. Not to mention – they could hit small targets. This was something I had never really seen happen before.
After watching hours and hours of videos from this couple, I knew there were 2 things I immediately had to do:
1) Get a multi cam operator baseball cap with a camo American flag (or punisher skull) patch.
2) Find a way to start carrying a Glock 19 every day, everywhere, no matter what.
I saved up for a long time to finally afford the $500 gen 3 Glock 19. At the same time, I saved up for a Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light (with the strobe function because I thought I should try to disorient attackers with a strobe that attached to my gun – that would have to also be pointed at them), and an OWB holster to carry this setup.
Finally owning a Glock 19 was amazing to me. Only the rich kids in college had Glocks at the range. I’d watch them load up with their guns in .40 and be so jealous as I watched them hit just a little low and to the left of their targets.
Three years after graduating, I was like them. But even better, I had a light on mine since I was becoming an operator by watching hours upon hours of tutorials on YouTube.
After waiting 4 months longer than the advertised lead time, while the guy was posting daily about enjoying his time on his boat, I got my holster. To this day that was the most dangerous thing I’ve ever attempted to use. The trigger was fully accessible from the outside.
I sent the guy videos showing me accessing and pulling the trigger (of the unloaded gun) while it was holstered. I explained what he needed to do to make it safe. He refused any refunds or replacements. Then a few months later I saw he started selling holsters with the modification I told him I needed for mine.
I had spent my last penny to get a light bearing holster, so I still tried to make that one work, by carrying it without a round in the chamber. I could not understand why this holster would not stay close to my body. I was even using a brand-new belt from Walmart.
I didn’t open carry but would use this holster under a hoodie or a longer shirt. I know people say they don’t care if they print, but the gun pushed out so far at the grip that I was concerned people at the store would think I was shoplifting something.
Round 3
So then I started the search for ‘gun belts’ on YouTube. I knew I found the winner. It was a belt designed by a company known for making tactical bags and clothes. I got my old trusty credit card out and bought it right away.
Boy, was I ever excited to open the package to find out this belt was about .3% more ridged than my Walmart belt. This was going to be great. I slid the belt and holster on and… had the same issues as before.
I ended up making a change to carrying only IWB as the gun wouldn’t flop over as much, but I still had the same issue. So much so that often times I would have to carry my much smaller XDS .45 (that I didn’t shoot super well) over my Glock 19 as it concealed way better.
I then started carrying a fixed blade on my belt and also a flashlight in my pocket. It was a pretty legit setup.
In 2015 I started an Instagram page to share my lifestyle, normalize concealed carry in our country and to make it look fun so it would encourage others to do the same.
If you look at my first post, you’ll see me with XDS .45, a TDI KA-BAR, and the belt that wasn’t performing how I would have liked.
Round 4 – Blue Alpha
Through Instagram I made connections with people with far more knowledge on just about everything I was interested in. Pretty quickly I was introduced to more ridged belts designed for everyday carry, and that was easily the biggest change to what I carried every day. I could carry OWB or IWB and the gun stayed right where I wanted it. I didn’t have to worry about the handle spilling over the top of the belt line. As soon as I could carry a bigger gun more comfortably, I did.
Since finding more ridged belts that are truly designed to concealed carry, it’s allowed me to carry the guns I shoot best, not just the ones that are small enough to be ‘easy’ to carry. My typical load out these days is my full-size Staccato with a SureFire x300 and spare mag on my Blue Alpha belt, with my SureFire Stiletto Pro flashlight and Microtech Ultratech knife in my pockets.
It has been interesting seeing how much my carry has changed in nearly a decade. The lessons I’ve learned, along with the adjustments made, have helped me bring the tools I need every day to protect myself and my family, while going about life as usual.
