just some stuff I've been wonderin'

[thekinetic]

What's yalls opinion on the fobus standard holster line? I was considering one for my carry holster when I get my CC.

Also what's yalls opinion on attachments on carry pistols? Like tactical lights and lasers?
A laser I could really only see being useful at a gunrange as I would imagine I wouldn't need it in a situation because most would happen quickly and up close (or close enough). Which leaves the tactical light, is it worth getting one for my pistol or would it be better to just keep a small bright flashlight around for if I need it?

Well I might as well ask this too instead of choking the forum with topics; Anyone know when the next hunters safety course is being offered in or around the NoVa area?

-Jon

[gunderwood]

What's yalls opinion on the fobus standard holster line? I was considering one for my carry holster when I get my CC.

Don't have one. My current go to is Raven Concealment and I was pretty happy with Galco's line.

Also what's yalls opinion on attachments on carry pistols? Like tactical lights and lasers?
A laser I could really only see being useful at a gunrange as I would imagine I wouldn't need it in a situation because most would happen quickly and up close (or close enough). Which leaves the tactical light, is it worth getting one for my pistol or would it be better to just keep a small bright flashlight around for if I need it?

For CC I've added Trijicon night sights (just got a pair of the yellow HDs that I need to try out). I do like a light for a home defense gun and keep a Surefire X300 on a G19 for that purpose. Easy enough to remove for CC.

As for using the light for CC, I never have. All but the smallest (and likely underpowered) lights are going to stick out past the barrel of the gun unless you're CCing a full sized pistol. At least for the X300, the profile of the light is wider than the G19; kinda bulky for CC IMHO. In any case, you're going to need a special holster and I just never have gotten around to trying it. I'd rather just carry a small tactical light separate from the firearm for CC.

Not a fan of lasers. They look cool in Hollywood and at the range, but I have no use for them. With a laser you must look at your target which is the big argument for them. I.e. do you want to be looking at the front post or the threat? Personally, for CC I don't see the point because if I'm drawing I've already crossed the threshold for SD and the first round is going down range as soon as I have my sight picture. I'm not a LEO trying to get a suspect to comply via the threat of lethal force. IMHO, for CC the front post is always faster from a draw vs. a laser. I will concede that my actual hands on experience with lasers is limited. I will also concede that there may be good uses for a IR laser with head mounted NV.

Looking at the threat can be very valuable if you're clearing a house. For example, you heard a loud distinct noise, but was it the cat knocking over a vase or a rapist breaking a window? Things sound funny when you are awoken from a deep sleep. Gotta go investigate/clear the house before going back to bed. Odds are very much it's nothing, but better safe than sorry. However, for this to work well you need the aiming aid on all the time which, just like a flashlight, gives away your position. You get all the benefits of a laser with a red dot or reflex sight, but with none of the draw backs. Look at the threat for proper use. Invisible to the threat. Always on during the search. Besides a red dot is way more stable and consistent IMHO.

IMHO, run NS on a CC gun. Run NS and a good light on a HD handgun. Run NS/backup sights, a light, and a red dot on a HD rifle or shotgun. Optimize the CC gun for speed against an immediate threat. Optimize the HD handgun for speed against an immediate threat also, but the light is nice because unlike CC you're likely less aware of your surroundings than CC (because you were probably asleep 2 seconds ago...otherwise just carry your CC around the house). Optimize the rifle or shotgun for CQB and always use them first if you have the time.

However, always remember that fighting immediately with what you have (a fist, a rock, a laptop, a bedside lamp, etc.) is almost always better than waiting until you have the big firepower ready. Break the attack cycle as quickly as possible because it will buy you precious seconds as the threat transitions from planned actions to reaction. Level the playing field by making the threat react and keep escalating the response as quickly and violently as possible until the threat stops.


FYI, I run Aimpoint T1's on my HD rifle(s)/shotgun(s). They are left always on and with the rear cap off so nothing needs done to the sight before use. The red dot works just fine fine with the front cap on and both eyes open (what you're suppose to be doing). All I have to do is rack the action to chamber a round and for the AR flip the safety off and it's ready to rock and roll. If I have the time I'll slip a one point sling on (already attached to the firearm) to increase weapon control/retention during CQB (can't take the firearm away from you). I'll also yank the front cap off the red dot.

[thekinetic]

Nice info, thanks! I am actually going to carrying a full size m&p 9mm, so it's kind of up in the air if it's low profile enough to be concealed well. It's not a bulky as the glock but decent size. Now eventually I will be getting a smaller firearm, probably a ruger lcr .38sp, as a backup/concealed. I mean in some situation which would the attacker be more focused on the gun at my hip or the gun he doesn't see I'm about to draw in my off hand.

I like the thought of RDS on an HD weapon, though right now my HD is a taurus judge loaded with 00 buckshot. But yeah I always though lasers were kind of just all hat and no cowboy.

So again thanks for all the info and solving my dilemma!