Carry stuff

[jdh]

I have a simple question which my not be so simple in the end but first the reason for the question.

Reading the various threads here and on other gun related fora the Clint Smith "two is one, one is none" mantra keeps being brought up. So I'm not supposed to leave the house without a primary, a bug, and preferably a bug for the bug. I also hear you should have at least one, and again preferably more than one, reload for each. A self defense blade of some sort is also mandatory. You never know when the lights are going to fail while in the Walmart restroom so a "tactical" light is required. You should carry a camera to have a way to record your assailants image for later ID and a cell phone to summon help. (The last may be combined in one convenient gadget.) Add to that the normal essentials such as keys, Wallet, comb, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and such. Normally my attire consist of jeans and a pocket T-shirt which at best gives me 5 pockets.

So the question, Where do I put all that stuff?

[NE450No2]

Well, It all boiles down to this. How much is your life worth. How much "trouble" are you willing to go to, to protect yourself?

So, 100% of the time carry a powerful handgun as a primary, with a couple of extra reloads, and a smaller gun as a secondary.

Carry a "combat qualified blade" or two.
Carry a quality flashlight. I always carry two when I leave the house, Both SureFire, an E1e, and an Aviator.

I dress around the "stuff" I carry. I NEVER skimp on the "stuff" I carry.

I make sure my cell phone is charged up, and I carry a charger in my vehicle.

I carry 12 extra mags, or the same in speed loaders, if my primary is a S&W revolver in the vehicle.

I carry a rifle in the vehicle, with a bunch of extra ammo. Which rifle depends upon the trip, ie around the county, vs a longer trip.

I carry a little extra emergency money.
I carry a little extra drinking water in the vehicle.

IF you never need any of this "stuff", no harm no foul.

IF you EVER need any of it, you will need it badly...

[NE450No2]

My Mantra is, One is none, two is one THREE is what it takes, to get the job done.

[mc5aw]

For us J-frame guys, Lefty at Charter Oak offers a sweet NY reload belt holster that keeps a pair of J snubs at the ready.

[elm_creek_smith]

Well, at work I carry a 4 inch S&W 686-6 in a high-ride holster, 4 speedloaders with .357 Magnum ammo, a S&W Model 37 in a pocket holster, and two speedstrips with .38 Special ammo. I also carry a serrated Ka-Bar TDI on my belt and a Ka-Bar TDI LDK on a neck chain. I've also got my EagleTac P20A2 on my belt, as well, with my Mk3 10% pepper spray. Of course, I'm in uniform with all that.

When I'm not at work, I usually carry a 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 in a Don Hume JIT or a Bucheimer Concealer, or a 4 inch S&W Model 10-5 in the JIT. I also carry the S&W Model 37, usually in a Safety Speed spring holster or another JIT. If I'm wearing a vest or coach's jacket, I've got 4 speedloaders and a couple of speed strips, and the flashlight is in a pocket. If I'm not wearing a vest, I'm probably just wearing a Hawai'ian shirt, one revolver (either the 13-3 or the 37, and carrying 2-4 speed strips. Oh, yeah, I'm also carrying both Ka-Bars, too.

Once 11/01/2012 arrives (open carry in Oklahoma), I may bring the L-frame into the off-duty carry mix.

ECS

[tops]

I don't own as much stuff as some of you carry. Larry

[badge 851]

As I am no longer on the job the stuff I carry is pretty simple. This is what I carry when I go out..........
• J frame 357 Magnum - loaded with 357 Mag ammo; PRIMARY IWB or OWB @ 4 o'clock
• J frame 38 Special - BUG in left front pants pocket; or left jacket pocket.
• Two HKS®# 36 Speed Loaders w/38 Special ammo in my right front pocket. (In colder weather, carried in right jacket pocket)
• Two Speed Strips w/38 Special ammo rubber-banded together in my right rear pants pocket.
• Kershaw1650ST Vapor II folding knife in right side pocket.
• Streamlight® Strion™ Flashlight on my belt at 8 o'clock.
• Back Off! 15% OC w/marking dye on my belt at 9 o'clock.
• Cell phone on belt @ 10 o'clock.

This "System" works for me. I train and practice drawing, shooting, reloading, and deploying OC (inert) with this setup every month. It is all "Muscle Memory" to me after 3 decades of carry like this. My primary and BUG operate the same. I don't have to carry different ammo or speed loaders and that's a plus.

If I am dressed more casually, like in shorts or sweats; my stuff is in a Roma Gunleather® fanny pack. (Primary, flashlight, OC, one speed loader, cell phone, etc.) BUG, other speed loader, knife in above locations.

[jdh]

I live 8 miles out so it is not like I can walk to the 7-11 for a paper and a coke. Just about any where I go is in one of the vehicles. I have all that and more in the vehicle. My computer bag has more in it. (Which I have to remember to unload and leave in the car before going in the VA clinic. 31 years under arms for the govt but I can't be trusted to go in the clinic with a nail clipper.) And while the computer bag is close I'm not quite ready for a murse yet.

I gave one of the young-uns my bat belt when I retired. May just have to do a bat belt lite.

[Kanewpadle]

I carry two guns. At least one reload for the primary. Flashlight. Knife. Cell phone which has a camera.

I used to carry a Kel Tec Sub 2000 folded up in my trunk. But don't anymore. Seattle metro area is the 7th or 8th in the nation for vehicle theft/burglary. And if I make it back to my car, I'm outta here!

[jimmyj]

When I go out in "Harms Way" I carry a dull pocket knife and a very bad case of bad breath.

[Sebago Son]

Originally Posted by mc5aw

For us J-frame guys, Lefty at Charter Oak offers a sweet NY reload belt holster that keeps a pair of J snubs at the ready.

Lefty's "New York Reload" with a couple of my 640-1's.

[Goldstar225]

On duty when I'm prepared to hunt trouble I carry my issued Glock 23 with 2 spare mags, a 642 with 1 reload, and my 870 with 12 rounds of buck & slug. In the trunk is my bail out back with two loaded Glock 22 mags, 1 30 round AR mag and 20 rounds of buck & slug. In the bag I also have water, battle dressings, bug dope and sunscreen.

Off-duty? I carry a single stack Kahr K-40 (.40 S&W) with one reload or sometimes my 642 with one reload. Oh and my ever present pocket knife, either a Gerber LST or swiss army knife my kids gave me 20 years ago. I wonder how I survived so long with so little off-duty.

[Road Rat]

Whoa...........I'm with the OP

Where would you (non-LEO's) carry all that stuff?

I strap on one holster and one handgun - 8 rounds. Anything I might possibly run into can be handled with that!

If not then I should have brought the UZI...............

[Lost Lake]

Wow, some of you guys carry a lot of stuff.

I don't carry a bug. I usually have a bug in my truck, but that's just because that's where it hangs out.

I make sure my concealed gun is one that works and I can shoot it well.

[LoboGunLeather]

On combat patrols in Vietnam I carried a rifle with 5 mags, a pistol with 3 mags, and a good pocket knife.

During 24 years in law enforcement, while working uniform I carried a sidearm with two reloads; while working plain clothes I carried a sidearm with one reload. Depending on assignment I may have had a shotgun in the car, usually not.

Retired now, I carry a loaded pistol and keep some extra ammo in the truck.

Some of today's "experts" recommend carrying enough stuff that we would have to be careful around water hazards, but we would probably be safer in a high wind.

Consider your situation, location, and planned activities. Evaluate the risks and plan accordiningly. For me, that means that if I seriously think about heavy-duty defensive hardware I start thinking about changing my plans.

[BobR1]

Well I live about 10 miles out in the sticks out of Mayberry.
I carry 1 handgun only. It might be my LCR-22 or my 4" 610.
Lately I have been carrying my 442 Pro Moonclip the most.
In the Summer I normally carry 1 Reload of hollowpoints, and a speed strip with 5 shotshells for a snake reload.
Once in a while I will go with 2 spare mooncliped reloads carried on the belt in J Frame California Competition Works Moon Clip Carriers.
I carry all my revolvers in Lobo Pancake Holsters at 4 O'Clock.
I carry a Gerber assisted opening knife normally dull for pulling staples at the range, opening boxes, cutting the strings on hay bales, and everything else a country boy does with his pocket knife.
I carry a flash light in the door pocket on my 3/4 Ton Flat Bed truck.
I do normally carry an ink pen to make notes, if needed.

We do have a higher than needed crime rate in the County where I live. We probably average an armed robbery every 10 years or so. That is way to many.

Now I will get to the important part. I shoot what I carry. I shoot in a handgun match every month. We shoot steel one month and an Outlaw IDPA match the next. I shoot my LCR-22, LCR-357 and my 442 in BUG Division on the same course of fire as the big guns in the Outlaw IDPA Match. I also shoot my 310 Night Guard, 66 Snub, 625 3", and my 4" 610.
My 64 and 610 are my main steel guns.

I practice speed strip reloading with my LCR-22, and LCR-357.
I shoot up bricks of ammo through my 4" 617 and my LCR-22.
I also shoot matches using my carry gear.

My 2 Cents: You can carry all the gear your clothing will allow. If you do not practice with it a great deal, you are still not well equipped. If I lived in an area where I needed to carry multiple guns everywhere I went as a civilian, I would move!

Bob

[thndrchiken]

Where do you guys, conceal your batman belts???

I carry my primary which is a compact Sig P250 in 357 sig 1 extra magazine, Cold Steel Ti-Lite, and a can of OC. I don't have anything that would qualify as a bug yet but when I do get one I would either be pocket or ankle carry. I would also carry 1 reload for that.

[szuppo]

I keep it all in my 5.11 tactical BDU's, photographers vest and some in my fanny pack. Funny thing, I almost forgot my CCW badge before I left the house the other day, good thing I remembered to get it though! My nunchucks and throwing stars were right next to it! Still trying to figure out where to hide the Bo Staff? Ideas? I'm pretty good with a Bo Staff, hate leaving it behind.

[RSWMTB]

Originally Posted by MOONDAWG

...I used to carry only a photo of my ex-wife.

Geez...if I did that, I'd be brought up on charges of 'wielding a Sociopath'...


LOL


.

[Poohgyrr]

Ehhh. Personal choice.

A lot more folks don't carry anything at all (except maybe armed bodyguards), and hate it that any of the rest of us do carry a weapon (not just guns).

I remember when I could no longer carry my mini Leatherman into the courthouse when off duty. That's an example of how successful those nut cases have been in disarming us..........

I believe it really isn't a problem when responsible folks responsibly carry weapons. Five shot J frame or a bunch of stuff, doesn't matter - main thing is good folks should be able to decide for themselves how they are going to deal with all the truly bad dangerous people walking about. Good folks are busy with life and don't go around robbing and murdering others. Carry what you want, including nothing if that is your choice.

[Chuck1217]

No pic of my ex-wife...it would probably burn the plastic window.
But I live in a medium sized town in Carloina. Altho I have a knife nearby, all I carry is my EDC. If I have to go to a bad area, and sometimes do, I stick a little S&W 32 Long in my back pocket. But normally, just me and the SD9.

[G.T. Smith]

I carry a minimum of stuff. I can't stand stuff in my front pockets. Sometimes my Zippo irritates me. I only carry one gun and a reload or two in a belt pouch. I ALWAYS carry my Buck 180\ lock back folder. If I'm gonna be out after dark or think I may need some light, like if something was wrong under the hood or something, I either carry a mini-mag light or my Smith and Wesson 8 LED light that eats batteries like candy.
Something that I have in the back of my truck, within arms reach is what my Son named "the hoax". It is an old forged hoe head that I heated at the stem and turned it sideways and tig welded a 2 foot handle on. It is also good for chopping brush. Hoe/Axe. It takes an edge very well.
Most often though it's just a M37 with one speed loader, buck knife, and good flashlight. When the weather cools down and I drag out the old Carhart the gun goes in the inside pocket and I carry nothing on my belt. I wish it would cool down NOW. It's 103 here today.
Peace,
Gordon

[McBear]

While at Smoky Mountain Knife Works a few weeks ago Wifie and a friend walked by the 511 clothing display and made a comment that I believe covers the OP's original question.

Wifie recommended to the helpful clerk who asked if we needed anything that they should put up a big MAN PURSE sign above that section.

She also commented on the irony of XXXL and Tactical being on the same tag but that's another story.

Yes, 25 fun years. Thank you for asking.

[Horace & Daniel]

Originally Posted by mc5aw

For us J-frame guys, Lefty at Charter Oak offers a sweet NY reload belt holster that keeps a pair of J snubs at the ready.

That may be the coolest holster I've ever seen. Thanks for the heads up.

[old bear]

Originally Posted by MOONDAWG

...right....and pack along one of these in your empty pocket too...

Moondawg, I knew I could count on you to put this thread into prospective.

I carried a B.U.G. daily for 27 years, I never needed it. The only time I needed a reload was after the fact. one decent pocket knife is always handy. A small flashlight is also nice to have, but a cell phone is more of a necessity today.

[Kanewpadle]

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

On combat patrols in Vietnam I carried a rifle with 5 mags, a pistol with 3 mags, and a good pocket knife.

During 24 years in law enforcement, while working uniform I carried a sidearm with two reloads; while working plain clothes I carried a sidearm with one reload. Depending on assignment I may have had a shotgun in the car, usually not.

Retired now, I carry a loaded pistol and keep some extra ammo in the truck.

Some of today's "experts" recommend carrying enough stuff that we would have to be careful around water hazards, but we would probably be safer in a high wind.

Consider your situation, location, and planned activities. Evaluate the risks and plan accordiningly. For me, that means that if I seriously think about heavy-duty defensive hardware I start thinking about changing my plans.

Expert or no. They ke to it all is your last paragraph.

Some of us have different reasons as to why and how we do things.

Doesn't make us "experts" or paranoid. Just different.

[McBear]

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

Consider your situation, location, and planned activities. Evaluate the risks and plan accordiningly. For me, that means that if I seriously think about heavy-duty defensive hardware I start thinking about changing my plans.

This bears repeating again and again.

[Eaglestroker]

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

On combat patrols in Vietnam I carried a rifle with 5 mags, a pistol with 3 mags, and a good pocket knife.

During 24 years in law enforcement, while working uniform I carried a sidearm with two reloads; while working plain clothes I carried a sidearm with one reload. Depending on assignment I may have had a shotgun in the car, usually not.

Retired now, I carry a loaded pistol and keep some extra ammo in the truck.

Some of today's "experts" recommend carrying enough stuff that we would have to be careful around water hazards, but we would probably be safer in a high wind.

Consider your situation, location, and planned activities. Evaluate the risks and plan accordiningly. For me, that means that if I seriously think about heavy-duty defensive hardware I start thinking about changing my plans.

I was going to make a comment, but after reading your post I think I'll leave it at that. Took the words right out of my mouth Ray (minus the whole 'nam flashback. Before my time.).

[bharner]

ESEE izula in my pocket all the time. Occasionally on my neck under a button down shirt since I can't carry a firearm at work and my pockets are full with two cell phones and the whatnot.
I usually have a small penlight in my pocket and a pen as they both come in handy frequently. Thin notebook in a butt pocket. Keys on my belt.

When I'm not at work I have an LCP in my pocket or an M&P 9c IWB. One of the two. Not both. No reloads. Granted there is a reload for the LCP in my bag but that may not always be nearby.

If I'm in a situation where I need to draw my gun I've done many things wrong.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I847 using Tapatalk 2

[Moonman]

If you had a choice of being in a gunfight today, there are much better choices to make and places you could be.

[Donn]

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

On combat patrols in Vietnam I carried a rifle with 5 mags, a pistol with 3 mags, and a good pocket knife.


Some of today's "experts" recommend carrying enough stuff that we would have to be careful around water hazards, but we would probably be safer in a high wind.

Consider your situation, location, and planned activities. Evaluate the risks and plan accordiningly. For me, that means that if I seriously think about heavy-duty defensive hardware I start thinking about changing my plans.

Only 5 mags? Interesting. We were required to carry a minimum basic load, (144rds= at least 8 mags), whenever we left the wire, more if practicable. As many .45 mags as I could beg, borrow or steal and a Ka-Bar fixed blade. It was a PITA to hump all that, but everything was a PITA over there.
Re:bug out bags, I agree with Lobo. Do your level best to stay out of harm's way. If you're in a jam and have to reload, it's no longer SD, it's a fire fight. In that case, you'd better have something that requires two hands and a sling to carry.

[elm_creek_smith]

Originally Posted by thndrchiken

Where do you guys, conceal your batman belts???

Photographer's vest or Hawai'ian shirt. (I may carry less stuff under the Hawai'ian shirt on occasion.)

ECS

PS. I don't wear the cape anymore.

[elm_creek_smith]

Originally Posted by Moonman

If you had a choice of being in a gunfight today, there are much better choices to make and places you could be.

1) If I thought I was going to be in a gunfight, I'd be carrying a rifle.

2) If I thought I was going to be in a gunfight, I wouldn't go there.

Unfortunately, I can't carry a rifle, and I have to go places I'd rather not. I also spend time traveling on the highway where I'd be a goodly distance from assistance.

ECS

[elm_creek_smith]

Originally Posted by szuppo

Still trying to figure out where to hide the Bo Staff? Ideas?

Nope. Not gonna do it. I have an idea , but I refuse to post it here.

ECS

[jdh]

Upon Further reflection, The car is good enough for most of the stuff and only the bare essentials need be on the person.

If I really think I need a staff I'll just hobble and carry a cane.

[McBear]

Originally Posted by jdh

Upon Further reflection, The car is good enough for most of the stuff and only the bare essentials need be on the person.

If I really think I need a staff I'll just hobble and carry a cane.

I recommend a nice Chris Reeve cane if he is still willing to make one.


McAllister with Chris Reeve Cane

[Stu Honea]

Where you live and your normal AO will dictate better than anything how much you should carry.It varies in different parts of the country,and even in different areas of the same town or county.

[ContinentalOp]

This is what I normally carry when armed:

* 642, usually in a Wraith IWB holster, occasionally in a Sideguard Quick Clip
* At least 2 reloads (usually Quick Strips, Comp I speedloaders, or a combo)
*Quark X123^2 Tactical flashlight (clipped in pocket)
*Leatherman Juice CS4
*Spyderco Delica
*Pen and notebook
*Small, pocket/wallet-size first aid kit
*Wallet, keys (including a Benchmade Houdini keychain), cell phone, money

Out of all the stuff I carry, the only things I haven't used are the gun and spare ammo (and I hope it stays that way the rest of my life).

FYI, this all normally carried in a standard pair of jeans and an untucked shirt, not carpenter or cargo pants, or a photographer's vest.

[Road Rat]

What is inside the Chris Reeves cane??

Long knife or 20 ga?

[pff]

Originally Posted by jdh

I have a simple question which my not be so simple in the end but first the reason for the question.
-----snippage------
Add to that the normal essentials such as keys, Wallet, comb, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and such. Normally my attire consist of jeans and a pocket T-shirt which at best gives me 5 pockets.

So the question, Where do I put all that stuff?

Easy....ditch the comb.


Regards,

Pat

[jdh]

Got my summer haircut yesterday. That would not be a problem now.

[haywood]

ALL DAY EVERY DAY. SP101, AIWB in a leather clip on holster. Left Front Pocket, LCR357 in Uncle Mikes pocket holster. On my belt is, Phone at 11:OK, Scorpion Flash Light in a Uncle Mikes Horizontal Mag Holster above my Left Rear Pocket, Pepper Spray in the same above Right Rear Pocket. Front Right Pocket has Two Speed loaders full of 357 JHP. Right rear pocket has Money Clip and a Benchmade Lock blade. Left Rear Pocket has my Wallet. A T- Shirt covers everything on the belt.

[haywood]

Originally Posted by Sebago Son

Lefty's "New York Reload" with a couple of my 640-1's.

Could someone post a picture warring this holster. I would like to see how it is warn.

[McBear]

Originally Posted by Road Rat

What is inside the Chris Reeves cane??

Long knife or 20 ga?

It has a hip replacement ball as the "handle" and a titanium tip which I keep covered with Ace Hardware 1/2" rubber tips that wear out about every two months. The wood, and I don't know which wood it is is VERY weighty.

It goes nicely through TSA and airport security in about 12 other countries over the past 12ish years [I have 96.5 successful jumps].

I realized after linking that, I need a better photo...too much me, not enough cane. Maybe something with cane, 642 and Benchmade 690.

[Stu Honea]

Take a look at these.Cane Masters!, Walking Canes for mobility, self-defense, exercise and rehabilitation

[snubbyfan]

Wow, some of you guys carry a lot of stuff. Today my wife and I were out running errands. I was wearing a pair of Dollar General cargo shorts, a tank top, 511 tactical boots and socks. I had my 442 in my right front pocket snuggled into one of my custom pocket holsters. Two 5 shot quick strips in my left front pocket along with a no-name assisted opening knife I bought for $10 at a pawn shop and a pen. Left front cargo pocket carried my keys and my wallet was in my right rear pocket. I usually throw a small led flashlight in my right cargo pocket just in case we might need it. I do have long hair that hasn’t been touched by scissors since ’93. I just keep it tied back and leave the comb home. I try to shy away from the “tactical” or “shoot me first” look for the harmless old Injun look instead.

[Rossi720]

I also hate stuff in my front "hand" pockets and here in NC I am outside in heat regularly in T-shirt, shorts, and Flip-flops.

I now always carry my BG380 in a Talon wallet holster in my right rear pocket, one reload in front left cargo pocket, cell phone in right front cargo pocket, pocket clip knife clipped in right front pocket.

At work in dress pants I carry BG380 in Desantis ankle holster, one reload in Desantis ankle mag holder on other leg, pocket knife clipped in right front pocket, pen clipped in left front pocket, mini maglite and cell phone on hip.

If I need more than that I agree I need to rethink were I am going and adjust accordingly. If you are going to "War" pack for "War".

My hand guns are only to allow me time to get out of trouble or to get to primary shotgun or rifle. I am not out looking for trouble.

[Arik]

G19 iwb. SOG trident tonto knife.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[Faulkner]

Originally Posted by McBear

While at Smoky Mountain Knife Works a few weeks ago Wifie and a friend walked by the 511 clothing display and made a comment that I believe covers the OP's original question.

Wifie recommended to the helpful clerk who asked if we needed anything that they should put up a big MAN PURSE sign above that section.

She also commented on the irony of XXXL and Tactical being on the same tag but that's another story.

Yes, 25 fun years. Thank you for asking.

I agree with your wife.

[REM 3200]

Originally Posted by NE450No2

Well, It all boiles down to this. How much is your life worth. How much "trouble" are you willing to go to, to protect yourself?

So, 100% of the time carry a powerful handgun as a primary, with a couple of extra reloads, and a smaller gun as a secondary.

Carry a "combat qualified blade" or two.
Carry a quality flashlight. I always carry two when I leave the house, Both SureFire, an E1e, and an Aviator.

I dress around the "stuff" I carry. I NEVER skimp on the "stuff" I carry.

I make sure my cell phone is charged up, and I carry a charger in my vehicle.

I carry 12 extra mags, or the same in speed loaders, if my primary is a S&W revolver in the vehicle.

I carry a rifle in the vehicle, with a bunch of extra ammo. Which rifle depends upon the trip, ie around the county, vs a longer trip.

I carry a little extra emergency money.
I carry a little extra drinking water in the vehicle.

IF you never need any of this "stuff", no harm no foul.

IF you EVER need any of it, you will need it badly...

You forgot the radio to call for artillery and tac air, maybe even naval gun fire.