The holiday season is the giving season – and, like birthdays and various special occasions, the question of what to give the armed citizen, peace officer, security worker or military member of service.
I’ve seen it recommended that a compact flashlight – because being able to see is good – and a quality travel mug so the coffee doesn’t get cold on those long shifts are both good things to give. The problem is that you could end up with 5 flashlights and a dozen coffee mugs.
If the gift was ammo or magazines – well, people buying some of the same things isn’t the problem that it could be.
Thinking a little on the outside might be good and here are some things I’ve long recommended – and recently became aware of
First, the “resQme Life Saving Tool,” a handy gadget that combines a stainless seatbelt cutter blade with a spring-loaded stainless window punch. If you drive a lot, having one of these always on your person can really be a life-saver – and they’re inexpensive. They are available from Gall’s and other retailers.
Image from Mantis.
For more money – while saving time and money – we have the Mantis TitanX GLOCK 19 Style Laser Training Pistol (reviewed here). It’s not something you add to a real gun, nor is it a simple “clicker,” it projects a laser to the target and, for dry-practice, it combines with the Mantis app to provide data on performance – speed and accuracy.
Fitting many holsters meant for the near-universal GLOCK 19 sized auto, the trigger resets, the magazine release releases a weighted “magazine” analog, and it has a port for charging.
The slide doesn’t reciprocate, so you don’t get any ‘recoil’ sensation, but you get a lot for the money.
If discreet carry is appropriate (and legal) but you are avoiding belt holsters (because you may not be wearing a belt), Kifaru now offers their “Quick-React Fanny” – meaning a fanny-pack style bag.
Image from Kifaru.
Made from 500D Cordura, with YKK zips and their “SecureStretch” webbing belt, the design is low profile. A dedicated compartment for the gun allows quick access and some security. Other gear – a magazine, tourniquet, etc. – can likewise be stowed in the new bag.
There is separation between the gun compartment and the other personal items – keys, phone, wallet. It weighs in at just over 11 ounces, empty, and the suggested retail is $115.
Gift cards can be used for anything, including the increasingly individual online subscription models for useful information from people like Paul Howe (CSAT), the Tactical Professor and Greg Ellefritz. Those are some of my recommendations for use of those gift cards you may get this season.
Image from Wilderness Tactical. The holster is shown with identification in the outside pocket.
Back on the gear side, we have the DB Force Option Pocket Holster, available from The Wilderness Tactical. Designed with inputs from Darryl Bolke, it’s made from the custom-laminate XHD elastic The Wilderness Tactical uses in their justifiably famous Renegade Ankle Holster. The grippy outside surface helps keep the rig in place during the draw. The band of elastic around the holster body is meant to hold folded bills, ID or a strip-loader (Speed Strip) for revolvers. Darryl likes using the side pocket for the “chump change” throw-down money to allow a quick escape while the mugger goes for the cash.
This might prevent needing to use the gun, a very good thing. Retail for the holster is currently $55 on their website.
Thoughtful gifts are out there, even for “us.” And we appreciate it.
— Rich Grassi
