Two Accessories That Go from Concealed Carry to Range Day
Eve Flanigan 01.05.21
If you have a regular range practice and carry concealed daily also, you might find yourself carrying around extra gear like belts, holsters, and magazine pouches that are appropriate for high-round count practice, while that everyday carry (EDC) gear is generally lighter in weight and more street-friendly. Time and trouble are spent carrying extra stuff and changing into and out of it. But here are two products I’ve found that make the transition from street to range easily.
ExtraCarry Magazine Pouch
This is a product I’d tested some time ago, but has undergone some improvements. It’s of course a good idea to pack an extra magazine when possible for EDC. And that’s the assumption this product was made for. It uses a clip, similar to any that would be on a pocket knife, to hold the magazine inside a pocket or waistband so it’s always indexed and ready. The ExtraCarry is made of carbon fiber reinforced nylon and between the currently available medium and large sizes, expands or contracts to accommodate most popular magazines. A small version for 380 ACP mags is in development.
With the ExtraCarry in a pocket, the business end of the mag is protected during carry. Nothing can get inside, and rounds are kept from working their way out. The angle of the clip can change to accommodate various clothing and body styles.
Ambidexterity is built in, and that makes the ExtraCarry a great backup for a normal belt- or paddle-mounted mag carrier. I went from wearing it concealed and holding a compact Sig Sauer P365 mag, to wearing it support-side, outside-waistband and holding a full size, 18-round Canik magazine. This is possible with the company’s new Universal Mag Pouch. There are model-specific mag carriers available too.
This is a super-handy and versatile addition to any pistolero’s gear collection. The cost is $55. At the time of this writing, the order page for the new universal model was down, but the model-specific ones are easily ordered. Contact the vendor for information on ordering the universal one.
Exos Gear Gun Belt
Talk about a belt that just works. Exos Gear makes a series of leather carry belts that are tough and all business when it comes to carrying a gun and maybe other gear, like a mag carrier. I’ve been wearing my brown one with contrasting white stitching as a special occasion belt for a couple years, and it still looks brand new. This belt is double-thickness, with a roller buckle to ease tightening. Holes are spaced closer than normal to get that holster riding just right, whether inside or outside the waistband.
A friend chose the unstitched, single-layer latigo belt and has used it for EDC and range wear for a couple of years. The belt has darkened with time as leather will, but he loves the highly adjustable fit and the buckle that’s sturdy but never pinches or feels too big in concealment.
Treat yourself or a gun-toting friend to this superb belt by ordering through Amazon, the outlet Exos Gear uses to keep down costs. It’s available in black, chocolate, or tan, stitched or unstitched, starting at $48.45.
Either of these accessories can make the armed life a little easier. I am pleased to use both, especially since they’re made in the USA.
