In the past, I have written up reviews on both the single and double port P320 compensators from Parker Mountain Machine. Like many of you, I almost always have different gun projects in the works and I wanted to test out some different products for my smaller P320s. One of the more recent things that caught my eye was the P320 Micro compensator for compact and subcompact slide lengths. I have enjoyed shooting with the full-size compensators but the micro made me wonder how much performance can come from a small comp like that. I’ve had this set up installed the last few weeks and after around 850 rounds, I have enough time under my belt to tell you my thoughts. Let’s take a closer look at the PMM P320 Micro compensator.

Wilson Combat has always been a company unafraid to let people know exactly what they produce as a company, with uncompromising quality and extreme precision.  They have also never been afraid to ask premium prices for their work.  Most Wilson firearms are 2500 dollars or more depending on how you spec them out.  So when I first heard about their new 15-round SFX9 9mm pistol being marketed as a carry gun with an MSRP of $2,895, I had to give it a try.  The new variant of the SFX9 follows a trend many companies seem to be jumping on with a short slide and barrel and a larger mid-size frame allowing for a higher capacity.

Over the years, I have changed my overall carry gear one way or another countless times, but through the years I have developed preferences. Finding what works best for you over time is no easy feat and although there are shortcuts for certain items like holsters, some of this gear physically takes you carrying it to see if that particular item fits your lifestyle. There’ve been a number of items I have gotten pushback on or people have recommended certain items for daily carry. I’ve picked a few of the most common items that people have talked about in past articles and we will take a closer look at why I choose various items to carry on a daily basis. Let’s take a closer look at what you should carry daily.

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves discusses the Top 6 Tux Guns, or pistols that are…well-suited for carrying at formal events. These are not cheap, they aren’t even that practical, but when you’re at an Oscars after-party or the Shah’s Tent City of Persepolis, you can’t show up with a Casio and a Hi-Point. James discusses the most elegant European carry guns from your favorite manufacturers like Walther, SIG Sauer, Heckler & Koch, Beretta, and Manurhin. What are the six classiest carry pistols out there?

One of the best ways to look at common trends in the gun community is lurking around your local gun shop. Like a small troll sneaking around the gun shop, one of my favorite things to do is eavesdrop on what people say about new conceal carry options. Whether it’s gun or gear, I’ve heard a number of interesting perspectives on a wide variety of gun topics. Everything from “10mm is more reliable than 9mm” to “people should carry two guns instead of a spare magazine“. Throughout my time listening to other people, there are a few things people should try that may make their life easier in the long run. I’m not saying these options will be the best thing around but they may help you out. Let’s take a closer look at some new items to start carrying.

Recently, I went through a workplace violence training seminar that was mandatory. During the video, they talk about evading threats and knowing the difference between cover and concealment. This concept is nothing new but can be rather tricky for people to determine the difference in a stressful situation. In a self-defense situation, knowing the difference between cover and concealment can save your life. Let’s take a closer look at cover vs concealment.

There are some holsters that become part of your wardrobe. Put your leg through here, staple this to your leg, tie that to your belt. While more intricate holster designs can sometimes give you some advantages, who has the time? Sometimes you just need a simple and reliable holster that you can throw on quickly. In my quest for Hellcat Pro holsters, I’m trying out the Black Arch Holsters Rev-Con. 

Welcome to another Wheelgun Wednesday on TFB, where we cover anything and everything relating to revolvers. Over the last couple of years, I’ve taken a look at a lot of Smith & Wesson revolvers, but today, we’ll look at the Taurus 605 which is a very affordable five-shot .357 Magnum, snub-nose revolver. I’ve seen numerous Taurus 605 revolvers in gun stores, and it’s a popular choice for people looking to get into concealed carry. Let’s dig into the Taurus Model 605.

If I’ve learned anything from my time as an armed citizen, it’s that a good holster makes every negative aspect of concealed carry easier to deal with. They reduce unwanted movement, aid in keeping the gun close to your body and make carrying for long periods of time infinitely more comfortable. I recently started carrying the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro and have been on the search for some good holsters. This time, I decided to try out the Black Arch Holsters Entrada.

Welcome to TFB Podcast Roundup 38! Some recent news has got a lot of people inside the firearms world talking about concealed carry more intently. Most of you here are probably of the same mindset as I am in that going armed in a discreet manner everywhere you go is probably a good idea. However, I’ve never been in a defensive situation where I needed to use a gun and I sincerely hope I’ll never have to. However, there are lots of people out there who have first-hand experience with life-threatening situations and people with a wealth of knowledge in regards to concealed carry setups as well as what works and doesn’t work when it comes to CCW applications. Today on TFB Podcast Roundup 38, we’ll be taking a look at a handful of episodes revolving around practical concealed carry firearms, the mindset that goes into carrying concealed as well as a few other not-so topical podcasts if you’ve had your fill of concealed carry listening. As always, sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s lineup of shows!

Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 3! Last week we showcased some deals from Aero Precision on their various components for AR-15 rifles. This week we’re checking out some deals on the hottest new trend in the concealed carry world – micro compact 9mm pistols. Micro compacts offer concealed carriers the capacity of older compact legends like the Glock 19 and give them the discreet carrying ability that guns like the first generation Smith & Wesson M&P Shield feature. While micro compacts may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I absolutely love the concept and I find that most of the latest offerings in this genre make for great all-year-round carrying pieces. So if you’ve been jonesing for one of the 9mm micro compacts that have come out in the last couple of years then be sure to check out this week’s list of deals featured on Sportsman’s Guide.

It’s always fun going to see some of my friends who are in the instructing world. Trainers are always evolving and trying to make their classes better whenever possible. After a year and a half, I had the opportunity to sit down with an old friend of mine named Cody. Now Cody has worked his tail off and ended up building one of the largest training programs in southwest Michigan. Hanging out with other people in the gun community can twist your perception of what’s popular and what new concealed carry trends people are doing.

With the recent explosion with micro carry guns, there has been a growing debate on whether or not they are beneficial for carrying concealed. Depending on who you talk to about small carry guns, they will either be the greatest thing since sliced bread or they’re a direct descendent of satan. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, with a number of benefits and cons depending on how you look at it. Although somewhat challenging when it comes to shooting quickly, micro carry guns can offer a ton of benefits in certain situations. Let’s take a closer look at micro carry guns.

Carrying concealed no matter where you go is nothing new for a lot of people. However, for newcomers to the concealed carry practice, navigating the constantly changing and evolving state and federal laws can be a nightmare to keep up with. While doing your own research is perfectly fine, having a nice, compact, and concise guide for the dos and don’ts of carrying concealed in various states can be extremely helpful, especially for those who like to travel a lot. In fact, TFBTV’s James Reeves has been quoted as saying that queries on interstate travel with firearms (and into casinos) are one of his most frequently asked questions by U.S. Law Shield members. So if you’re curious, U.S. Law Shield has some great State-Specific Travel Guides that will give readers tips and facts as they pertain to gun laws in the state they are traveling into.

The CZ P10 M pistol was released in Europe in 2019, then in the US in 2020. The US market was polarized and seems to be one of those concepts that people either love or hate. What’s so controversial about the CZ P10 M, you ask? It really comes down to the omission of one part, the manual slide release, not to be confused with a slide stop in this case, as it still has one that locks the slide to the rear after the last round is fired. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this concept, as well as how the CZ P10 M actually feels, conceals, and shoots.

When thinking about potential situations, we oftentimes think about the bad guy lurking in the shadows while you’re walking to your vehicle late at night. We think the biggest threats will be out in shopping malls or parking lots. However, one of the biggest threats to people is road rage events. Over the last 20 years, there has been a number of cases where individuals have had to use their firearms in self-defense as a result of road rage. A quick google search will show just how many cases have been reported over the last few years. From these incidents, we can learn a few things and try to look at solutions for safely getting away from a situation. Let’s take a closer look at self-defense in road rage cases.

Finding an appropriate holster for a new or customized gun is an absolute nightmare for me. Sometimes you’ll be hard-pressed to find a good holster fit for your own gun outside of generic one-size-fits-all holsters that don’t really offer you anything in terms of good retention or will prematurely wear out your handgun or any of its attached components. Blackhawk has just announced the introduction of a completely new holster lineup with their new TecGrip Formlok Moldable IWB Holsters – an industry first for nylon holsters.

One of the most commonly asked questions from people is how do they become a better shooter. Whether that’s starting off as a brand new shooter or working on shooting more accurately faster, there’s always room for improvement. Plenty of people think it’s just a simple matter of picking up the pace and shooting faster, but it’s not as simple as that. Going as fast as possible oftentimes leads to your accuracy falling apart just to be a bit faster. There are a number of ways to improve yourself while maintaining your accuracy so let’s take a closer look at becoming a better shooter.

In the world of small carry guns, there are a few firearms that really are starting to shine. The Glock 43x, the Springfield Hellcat and the P365 series from SIG Sauer. The SIGs are a bit special since you can easily swap frame sizes and create a truly modular system. There are a few metal frames available on the market, but most of them have textures and lightening cuts all over them. I recently saw a new offering from Mischief Machine LLC – their Omega Series frame. I decided to pick one up and give it a try. Lets take a closer look at the Mischief Machine Omega P365 frame.

The new Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro had a huge launch. The pistol, designed specifically for concealed carry, is not complete without a holster. If you regularly conceal a handgun, you know that just one holster is never enough, and I’m guessing all of you have a dedicated holster drawer. With so many different needs and body types, a wide variety of options is important. Fortunately for those who plan to buy the Hellcat Pro, Galco Holsters has heard the call. Just announced, these are the new Galco Hellcat Pro holster fits.

Alabama hopes to become the 22nd permitless carry state in the union with the passing of Alabama House Bill HB272. The bill was passed early this month with 23 representatives voting “yea” and the remaining 6 voting “nay” after a 90-minute debate between representatives of Alabama’s senate. Permitless carry has become increasingly popular throughout the United States as it removes several barriers for law-abiding citizens looking to carry a concealed weapon for personal defense. Although a healthy majority of representatives voted to pass the bill, a handful voted no citing concerns by law enforcement.

For the vast majority of my time, a belt-mounted holster is the way to go. Whether it’s inside or outside the waistband, a belt-mounted holster is a great option for everyday use. There are a decent amount of times though, I run into a situation where I want to carry a gun without having pants with a belt look. Whether it’s board shorts or a pair of sweat pants, having a lack of belt support can be a real issue if you carry a belt-mounted holster for the majority of the time. Over the past couple of months, I’ve been asked a handful of times about the best way to carry with no belt. It’s also something I’ve dealt with over the years so let’s take a closer look at how to carry without a belt.

Big is back. Shooters have been shying away from small guns and opting for compact but capable micro-compacts. Springfield Armory’s entrance into the micro-compact market was a huge success with the introduction of the Hellcat. With that success comes more accessories, but more importantly, more guns. Expanding the Hellcat line of carry pistols, this is the new Hellcat Pro.

The world of carry guns has changed wildly in the last 20 years and it’s always interesting to look at where we started and how far we came in the last two decades. There were a number of good carry guns like the HK USP and Glock 19 and although there were a few small carry guns chambered 9mm, the small 9mm pistols didn’t really start to come into the market strong until the 2000s. I’ve bought and carried almost every single gun on this list. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of micro carry guns and see where things began, the progression to modern day and what the micro carry gun market is turning into.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week we talked about creating a tier system instead of carrying everything on your person. This week we will be taking a look at some ways to make carrying concealed more comfortable. There are a number of situations when I personally remember being extremely uncomfortable either from a poor choice in clothing or not carrying the right handgun during a particular season. There are a number of ways to immediately improve your overall comfort level when carrying for a full 8-10 hour day. Let’s take a closer look at some tips for comfortable carry.

Contrary to the belief of certain shooting competition organizations, appendix carry is a viable and very popular option for those who carry concealed. The position allows me to maintain constant control of my firearm and provides a very quick draw. Galco understands, however, and has just released their Paragon 2.0 holster, designed specifically for AIWB carry.

The concealed carry market is, in my opinion, the most diverse in the industry. Everybody is different, and due to their differences in physical geometry, preferences, and circumstances, many different types of firearms are needed. For me, I live in a place where I’m mostly concerned with two-legged predators, but I also don’t spend too much time away from home. A medium-sized, single-stack 9mm is what you’ll usually find inside my waistband. However, that pistol isn’t necessarily suitable for all situations. One of my jobs includes traveling around the state. This lands me in remote areas, as well as some…less desirable parts of the city. In these cases, something more capable is my preference. It doesn’t get more capable than a compact, high-capacity, heavy caliber pistol with a red dot. That’s exactly what this review is about. The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP holds as many rounds of .45 ACP as it has words in its name, and I’m here to give you my take on its viability as a concealed carry option.

A fairly common topic I get asked about is deciding what to carry on your body every day and what’s considered excessive. The last couple of weeks I have gone over what I personally carry and some of the accessories I like to carry on a daily basis. What the problem turns into is having everything you may need on your body which becomes extremely fatiguing over a full day. There are a lot of people who are “prepared” and carry several knives, a medkit on their leg and multiple firearms. It’s important to prioritize based on certain items. Let’s take a closer look at some concealed carry priorities.

In last week’s article, I talked about the three firearms and holster styles I use during the wintertime. We are going to keep this train rolling with some of the accessories and things I enjoy carrying to support my carry lifestyle. Everyone is different when it comes to carrying a concealed firearm, but it’s always good to look at what people carry personally to see if there’s a better method out there. The spectrum of carrying accessories goes from excessive to minimalist with everything in between. Let’s take a deeper look into some of the accessories I use in my winter carry.

The Smith & Wesson Shield series of handguns has been one of the most popular carry options on the market for a few years now. Offered in both 9mm Para and .380 ACP, the Shield is a small enough handgun with just enough ammo to get you out of trouble if needed. With the introduction of the new 30 Super Carry Shield EZ, this little handgun adds two more rounds to the stock magazine without sacrificing terminal ballistics or concealment.