I like A-F.
This is a discussion on What should I always carry as a soon to be CC'er? within the Concealed Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; I like A-F....
I like A-F.
Who is John Galt?
Sometimes there's justice, sometimes there's just us---
I'd wait on gear...buy ammo, seek training. Then decide what to carry. I do recommend a getting a quality gun belt and holster
For me (this what works for me, maybe not for you)
- spare mag: (primarily) for the unlikely event of a malfunction of the primary mag; (second) more ammo
- cell phone: to me, this is a must if you're going to carry a gun
- small flashlight: it is something I always need, that others sometimes forget
- knife: it's another tool.
I also have a multi-tool and small first-aid kit in my bag; with a large medic bag in my car, and am trained to use it.
-
Magazine <> clip - know the difference
martyr is a fancy name for crappy fighter
You have never lived until you have almost died. For those that have fought for it, life has a special flavor the protected will never know
Carry yourself in a respectful and non threatening manor. The second thing to carry is the memory that every action you take could effect the rest of your life. Either positively or more importantly, negatively.
You need to have the ability and wherewithal to know when and how to use tools other than deadly force if it is at all possible as circumstances dictate.
Last but maybe most important, you need to know in your heart that if deadly force is needed, you will respond with a level of unexpected violence that will leave no doubt in your attackers mind that they have fatally erred in the victim selection process.
A good gun belt is a smart investment too.
Recognize that your EDC kit will grow, adapt, and change as time goes on and you get a feel for your particular needs. Definitely train, and always ruthlessly ask if you have the right gear on you. Now, FOR ME, this is what I carry right now:
Situational Awareness and common sense
wallet
keys
cell phone (most important "tool" IMO)
pen (like Lima, I would love a tactical pen...right now I am broke so a Pilot G2 0.5mm is what I get)
pen knife (for opening stuff)
defensive folding knife...my Benchmade 730s Elishewitz is only used in defensive situations, not as a multitool :)
Tac light. I carry a small one in a belt holster
Gun (XD9sc with 13-round flush mag) and a spare mag (16 rounder)
I also keep my "hunting bag" in my truck with a lot of other stuff in it like a first aid kit and all that jazz.
I don't personally carry OC because my less lethal option is my kenpo training if I need it. That said, I have been considering some Sabre Red...
But as you have been told, you need to figure out what is best for you. I think gun, wallet, keys, cell phone are rock bottom minimum. Everything else is as your needs dictate.
"...whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one." (Luke 22:36)
Christianity and Self Defense from a Biblical Perspective
Sound judgement, tenacity and your Carry Concealed License at all times.
Why?? Because at the last second, the Police are minutes away.
"He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." – Luke 22:36
"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so." – Thomas Jefferson
I carry a small stun gun in a cell phone case on my belt. For all the situations where I can't legally carry, it's better than nothing.
"The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come." ~ Confucius
Memorize the number, or leave contact information with someone who you have arranged in advance to be your emergency contact and communicator and whose number you have memorized. If you get taken to jail you won't have access to your cell phone when you get to use the phone.
Try not to screw up so bad they name the screw up after you. (Station 15 saying)
NRA Certifed Instructor
Array
What do you need when you carry?
Knowledge of your state laws and a healthy dose of common sense.
Retired USAF E-8. Avatar is OldVet from days long gone - 1978. Oh, to be young again...
Paranoia strikes deep, into your heart it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid... "For What It's Worth" Buffalo Springfield
-firearm of your choice
-Spare mag, more to correct malfunctions than because you think you'll need more ammo, but the ammo is still nice to have
-flashlight, ON YOUR PERSON, not in the truck. if you're attacked in the dark, you need to be able to see before you shoot
-cell phone to call 911 (remember, the first person to call is the victim)
-CCW card
everything else is supplementary. first aid gear for yourself such as a tourniquet and gauze might be nice, but you can use your belt and t-shirt. Maybe leave the medical gear in the truck.
IMOHO, carrying less-lethal and a firearm at the same time is asking for trouble when the prosecution asks "why didn't you just OC/taze/baton him? you had the LTL equipment with you. you were out looking to kill someone."
"In EMS, death is our dance partner. We push it away, move it closer, move around it. Sometimes it leads, and other times it does not, depending on the skill of the dancer and the music being played." -Tracey Loscar, MCIP
I always carry my gun and an extra magazine. I am not afraid that 17 rounds of 9mm is less than adequate. It is mainly there incase the first mag fails in some way. Other than that my wallet, keys, cellphone, and pocket knife round out the package. The reason I carry a pocket knife is because it has a window break and a seat belt cutting tool.
As others have said the most important thing to carry is common sense and situational awareness. Be alert, be smart, and be polite. That will get you through 90% of life without a hitch.
See and if you DIDN'T have a less than lethal option I would think the prosecution would say, "He was just looking to kill someone, he didn't even have a less than lethal option"
Prosecutors job is to make you look guilty no matter how innocent you are so unfortunately they can try to make you out to be whoever they want and depending on how firearm familiar your jury is, it may not be that hard. Just my $.05 (inflation...)
Psalm 23
In God I trust, it's the rest of you I'm concerned about
Certified Smith & Wesson M&P pistol and MP15 rifle armorer
And keep your middle finger sheathed.
Agreed. Also, one of the nice high-intensity LED flashlights on the market now might de-escalate a situation fast. If you're in a fairly dark area (which is more likely to be the case if attacked), shining 100+ lumens directly in the eyes of your attacker might lead him staggering away unable to see. I've used this on aggressive dogs several times, they come to a complete stop and track me with hearing and nose alone, unsure of what to do with me, and generally wander off. Since humans aren't so good in the hearing and smell department, I figure that this is a good option. At least it will slow them down enough to get your pistol lined up properly.