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Being more practical than tactical, my EDC kit is small.
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For the last several years, I’ve worked from my home. During the week, I don’t get away from the office very much. When I do leave the house, I’m usually shuttling kids to and from school, checking our company post office box, or trying to squeeze in some desperately needed exercise time at a local public park. For those with concealed carry privileges, you may recognize these locations as a trifecta of carry restricted areas. And that restriction extends to leaving your concealed weapon stowed securely in a locked vehicle in the parking lot. As a multi-decade concealed carry license holder, I’ve had to learn to “leave home without it” to stay within the letter of the law.
While the firearm may be optional depending on my destination, I never leave my home without a knife and light. Starting out as an experiment in minimalist carry, The CRKT Shrimp and Streamlight Nano Light make an excellent keychain combination that I’ve used for over two years. While their size may be small, I’ve never found myself in a situation that left me wishing I had a bigger knife or more light. They fill their roles perfectly while taking up very little pocket space.
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Don’t let the name fool you. The CRKT Shrimp has a respectable 1.75” blade.
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Skeletonized for weight reduction, the Shrimp also has a glow in the dark back spacer.
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CRKT Shrimp has been discontinued, but you can still find it at Amazon or other on-line retailers. https://www.crkt.com/Shrimp
The CRKT Shrimp is only 2.5″ long. The 1.75” blade opens easily with the extra deep thumbnail notch. The stainless steel side of the frame securely locks the blade in place when deployed. The alter handle is machined from aluminum and has been drilled through for weight reduction before anodizing. I’ve cut paracord and cardboard quite easily with this little knife. It’s been a handy little guy to have in my pocket.
It may look a little pocket worn, but the Streamlight Nano Light is still going strong.
The Streamlight Nano Light is a 10 lumen LED light with an 8 hour run time. It’s constructed of aircraft grade aluminum and anodized with a glossy finish. The light is activated by turning the light head. The light is marketed as shock resistant and weather proof. After two years of use, the finish is getting thin on my Nano Light. I’ve accidentally drop tested this light on several occasions and it’s still going strong.
Streamlight Nano Light – https://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=141
When I do carry a firearm, it will most often ride in my right front pocket. I’m not a big fan of dressing around the gun so I prefer a handgun and holster combination what works with any pants, shorts, or slacks in my wardrobe. After trying many different combinations, the Seecamp LWS .380 and Del Fatti Leather PH-3 holster find their way into my pocket most frequently.
L.W. Seecamp LWS .380 and Del Fatti PH-3 pocket holster.
While it may not be very pleasant to shoot, the L. W. Seecamp LWS .380 is very easy to carry. The all steel .380 auto pocket protector weighs a scant 15 ounces fully loaded to 6 +1 capacity. Lacking any sights, the LWS .380 is purpose built as a handgun to be deployed at close range as a last resort. It is popular as a backup firearm or as a primary firearm for those that live and travel in low risk areas. Despite the small size, my LWS .380 has proven to be 100% reliable and suitably accurate with some practice.
Matt Del Fatti is arguably one of the premier holster makers in the USA. Working exclusively in leather and exotic skins, each Del Fatti Leather holster is hand made to the buyer’s specifications from one of Matt’s catalog of holster models. The PH-3 pocket holster completely obscures the outline of the Seecamp, and the double wing design keeps the handgun from rotating when sitting and standing. The expertly boned holster back provides just enough retention to securely hold the pistol while still allowing for an easy draw.
L.W. Seecamp LWS .380 Specifications – https://seecamp.com/products.htm
Buy a Seecamp on GunsAmerica – /Seecamp.htm
Del Fatti Leather Holsters – https://delfatti.com/
It always comes down to this argument, doesn’t it? I agree with those who says .380 is not enough, and there are many options in small higher caliber handguns. But I won’t call someone an idiot for carrying one (better than a 1.75″ blade for self defense). If he had said he carries a 9MM we would be having the same argument.
Just need some education. See the gelatin tests:
http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/is-the-380-acp-an-adequate-caliber-for-defensive-use
I find the macho “I never carry a .380” statements pretty funny actually. Hey if you’re dressed appropriately and can conceal carry an AK – got for it. Unless that’s not macho enough for some either. The reality is – in some circumstances it’s difficult if not impossible to carry any 9, 40, or 45. In cases like those, I’d rather carry SOMETHING than nothing. Know the guns limitations, and practice practice practice. Next time someone bad mouths your choice of carrying a .380 in those circumstances when it’s the only smart choice – ask them if they’d be ok with standing in front of your .380 and telling us how a couple rounds in the chest feels.
While 380 is usually considered a bit under-powered for EDC, loaded with some of the newer personal defense ammo, and used by someone with proper skills(which you seem to be one of), it is quite capable of taking care of business. While it still doesn’t stack up to .40 or 10mm, either of those rounds are nearly uncontrollable in a pocket size package. IMHO you have made a great choice given your usual environments. Just be sure to check out some of the new PD hot loads, your Seecamp will handle them if you can.
While I cringe any time absolutist keyboard warriors come out to say with terse authority that one’s choice is idiotic, moronic, retarded, etc. I have to admit to being sceptical on the choice of a pocket .380 with no sights as an EDC gun.
I actually think that a .380 with no sights is fine for use as described… very close-in personal defense. However, I tend to think that a cartridge with a bit more oomph to extend the usable range a bit, is a better choice for EDC for most people.
Why limit your practical effective range with a no-sight mouse gun when other options are available in 9mm, .40 S&W or even some small .45ACP in appropriate size for pocket carry?
http://gear-report.com/best-concealed-carry-pistol-7-options/
Isn’t it generally preferred to engage threats at maximum distance for each encounter so as to reduce the chance of being taken out of the fight too easily? ie. don’t let them get close enough that they can hurt you.
A good .380 with good sights makes a great back-up pistol, IMHO. However, I tend to carry a 9mm as primary EDC most of the time and reserve the little mouser for deep concealment when nothing larger is an option (usually hidden appendix carry).
More food for thought:
http://gear-report.com/best-pocket-pistols-for-concealed-carry/
http://gear-report.com/should-i-buy-a-glock-43-or-sw-mp-shield-9mm-pocket-pistol-comparison/
Start home schooling, then you can knock the worst one off your list … and your kids will be safer and better educated.
…and social retards.
Wow… some people’s ignorance is unbelievable. My good friend makes over $100,000 providing professional financial plans for people, which requires exceptional people skills. Essentially, it’s sales, and anyone who knows anything about sales knows that selling is 80% building relationships. So essentially he is a professional relationship builder, making over 6 figures, and he was homeschooled. Who’s the retard? I feel bad for you and your outlook on life.
Only an idiot would choose to carry a .380. If you love hour family, do them a favor, choose something better.
Only an idiot would choose not to proofread.
Relax. Breathe.