Tag Archives: ccw edc

Pioneer Old Home Days

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In my normal EDC travels on the Gulf Coast, I typically carry a double-stack 9mm (currently the Hellcat Pro as I have 3K rounds through it without a single reportable issue) IWB as my primary piece, often augmented by a backup gun of the single stack 9mm or 38 snub variety. Added to this is a small tactical light, a small fixed blade or large folder, and a multitool, the latter typically a Victorinox Cadet Alox as I just love Swiss Army knives.

Well, on a recent 18-day working trip to Western/Central Europe to attend IWA and visit three historic firearms makers (more on this to come), to comply with local laws my EDC was whittled down to just a SAK and a light.

The SAK of choice? A 9-tool Victorinox Pioneer X Alox, which is larger and beefier than the slimline Cadet while still falling within acceptable limits for pocket knives in the countries in which I was traveling.

It came in handy on numerous occasions, particularly in building and taking down camera gimble frames and chassis.

And, of course, there was a moment of pause to salute it when passing through its Alpine birthplace in the Swiss Confederation.

The CCW Item No One thinks about

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So, you are ready to begin your new dedication to exercising your 2nd Amendment rights by carrying a legally acquired handgun in a permitted CCW area. You attended the 8-40 hour long class that your state requires to carry your weapon and if not, hopefully you attended at
least an NRA basic pistol class or come from a sufficient military, security or law-enforcement background to where you have at least basic knowledge of your weapon, its operation, limitations, and retention.

You get your carefully chosen weapon, holster, and possibly a second magazine and/or speed loader and hit the road, confident of being the most heavily armed man in the produce section of your local grocery store. You have a checkmark in every box. You have everything covered, right?

Well, maybe not.

From My column at Firearms Talk